How online reviews came to rule our lives

They're everywhere — so why do we still have to doubt their accuracy?
 By 
Ray White
 on 
woman wearing glasses with a computer screen in their reflection
Watch Next

The world around us changes quickly. Sometimes you need to stop, look around, and think, how did we get here? This series examines the history leading up to the major tech innovations we take for granted and the things we may have missed along the way.


Last time you bought something online, there's a good chance you read an online review first — but it wasn't always this way.

Take a dive into the history of online reviews to understand why they still matter so much today.

Topics Amazon

Mashable Image
Ray White

Mashable video producer


More from How Did We Get Here?

What a century of fighting the flu tells us about the future of COVID-19
By John D'Amico
archival photo of a nurse during the 1918 flu pandemic

The rise of Big Tech monopolies from Microsoft to Google
By PCMag
archival photo of bill gates

Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!