Superhists as far as the eye can see
Why are AirBNB evaluations so excessive?
On the rental platform, negative notes are rare despite sometimes disappointing experiences. Its bilateral evaluation system creates social pressure that prompts everyone to be indulgent.
At Airbnb, the evaluation is reciprocal. This system promotes positivity biases. (pretext photo)
Netflix
If you met me on Airbnb, you would be convinced – to judge by the evaluations – to fall on a model of kindness and charm: “radiant”, “respectful”, “always smiling”.
It is often said that online assessments reveal the worst of the human being, each being able to express their frustration anonymously on the Internet. However, this phenomenon is not verified on Airbnb. It is rare to find a room noted below 4.5 points (out of 5). By browsing the profiles of “superhists” and the “favorites of travelers”, I note this generalized trend. It is likely that the algorithm accentuates this impression by highlighting the best evaluated offers.
But the difference lies in the evaluation system: at Airbnb, the evaluation is reciprocal. The customer attributes stars, but he is also noted in return.
The notes are better on airbnb than elsewhere
Various studies confirm that this system promotes positivity biases. According to a Recent investigation carried out in the United States90% of airbnb reactions were positive. A other study has shown that notes of 4.5 or 5 stars are much more frequent than on other platforms using a unilateral evaluation system. In some cases, the same poor quality accommodation was noted more generously on Airbnb than on Tripadvisor.
If Airbnb assessments are all also «amazing»this is for a specific reason: travelers generally only comment after successful experience. When their stay is wrong, they prefer to remain silent. Studies confirm this. This trend is also explained by direct meetings with hosts. We try to avoid tarnishing your image or fueling unpleasant discussions.
Social pressure
I recently experienced on Airbnb the extent of the pressure exerted to obtain a positive assessment. I noted a charming tiny house On a Danish island by attributing the maximum note that it deserved. However, I did not put the maximum in all subcategories-location, check-in, value for money, etc. The hostess then treated me as “thankless” and “unfair”, when she had given me 5 points out of 5.
Anyone who assesses with kindness expects to receive the same courtesy in return. Airbnb is therefore right to publish the host’s assessment until the latter also gave his opinion, and vice versa. Without this measure, some may be tempted to take revenge on an assessment which they consider unfair.
After many Airbnb stays around the world, I haven’t relying on assessments for a long time. I remember in particular a “superhost” in New Jersey, whose accommodation was dark and dirty. Or this guest room in Aarhus, Denmark, where I had to do stretching exercises every morning to relieve my back pain caused by a much too soft mattress. However, my predecessor had written in the comments: “The bed was super comfortable! I slept really well. ” Tastes and colors …
I have been thinking of leaving an assessment with some criticisms for a moment. Finally, I gave it up. I didn’t want to offend the hostess when she had made a lot of effort.
Since then, I have not noted the Airbnb housing only if they are exceptional. I thus contribute to the pink cloud of the platform. Sorry, but I want to keep my status as a “radiant” host.
Translated from German by Olivia Beuhat.
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