As a seasoned researcher with a knack for uncovering industry truths, I find Gabriel Hattar’s vision for daGama both refreshing and essential in today’s digital age. The issue of fake reviews has long been a thorn in the side of consumers and businesses alike, causing confusion and distrust that can lead to poor decision-making and tarnished reputations. In the travel industry, where customer reviews play a pivotal role in decision-making, it’s crucial to have reliable information to guide our choices.
Today, with mobile apps and online marketplaces shaping consumer habits significantly, the truthfulness of customer feedback is more important than ever. Surprisingly, research shows that as many as 30% of online reviews may be fabricated, potentially steering consumers towards incorrect choices and damaging business reputations.
In the realm of travel, this issue carries great weight due to the influential impact of customer feedback on choices made. In the face of this challenge, daGama is leading the charge with a groundbreaking approach through its Multi-level AntiFake system and the inaugural user-generated map showcasing top destinations. To gain insights into their vision for transforming the review sector, we had a conversation with Gabriel Hattar, CEO of daGama. This is how they plan to shake up the industry.
Why are customer reviews so important in 2024?
Gabriel Hattar:
In today’s digital age, customer reviews carry more weight than ever before. With the surge of online shopping, marketplaces, and social media, consumers now heavily depend on these reviews to guide their buying decisions. Reviews offer invaluable information about product quality, service, and user satisfaction, playing a pivotal role in shaping purchase choices.
The fake review problem is massive in various service sectors such as beauty salons, barbershops, manicures, home cleaning, handyman services, doctors, tutors, and more. However, current industry statistics are worrying: 80% of customers have encountered fake reviews in 2023, and over 67% of consumers believe that fake reviews are a major issue. In these sectors, fake reviews can lead to customers choosing poor-quality services or even fraudulent providers, undermining trust and causing significant financial and emotional distress.
What is the current situation regarding fake reviews in the travel industry, and why is it so hard to get rid of fake reviews?
Gabriel Hattar:
When it comes to travel planning, ratings are vital as travelers thoroughly examine hotel and dining options based on customer reviews. In fact, more than nine out of ten travelers look over at least seven reviews prior to reserving a hotel. But the key issue lies in determining the reliability of these reviews.
Regrettably, it’s a widespread issue in the travel sector that bogus reviews exist, leading to a decline in consumer trust. It’s tough to get rid of them because they can be produced quickly and effortlessly. On freelance platforms, services for writing fake reviews are readily available, and businesses under competitive stress might resort to such unscrupulous methods. Conventional moderation systems often find it hard to manage the massive number and complexity of these misleading reviews.
Due to issues with the existing review system and difficulties in moderation, there’s been a decline in faith consumers place in reviews, even those boasting high scores like 4.5/5. This predicament makes it tough for genuine businesses that have built their reputation over years of diligent work to shine among establishments that seem to have inflated ratings.
What other issues arise from the fact that people can’t trust 4.5/5 ratings today?
Gabriel Hattar:
When people start losing faith in ratings, the whole system of customer feedback becomes unstable. Honest businesses get hurt because fraudulent reviews either unfairly advantage rivals or tarnish their reputation. Additionally, the widespread rating system we use now has notable shortcomings that make it less effective.
A highly-rated hotel might not meet a traveler’s personal preferences due to factors like poor soundproofing or an unattractive view, which could negatively impact their trip. Unfortunate experiences with substandard accommodations can lead consumers to spend unwisely and waste time, creating doubts about the credibility of online reviews and making it challenging to make informed decisions.
How does daGama solve the fake review problem?
Gabriel Hattar:
DaGama addresses the problem using our Multi-Level Anti-Counterfeit System (MLACS) and the Review & Earn scheme, motivating users to write genuine and beneficial reviews by granting them tokens as rewards. Our MLACS combines an AI-driven filtration mechanism along with a group of human moderators and a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) system to guarantee that locations receive only authentic and legitimate reviews.
In our MLAFS system, we actively screen out false reviews, doing so both at the moment of publication and later by examining reader engagement. Reviews cleared by the initial AI check undergo further review by moderators and the DAO. Additionally, daGama users have the ability to upvote reviews, thus recognizing and boosting genuine and valuable ones. By employing a community-based strategy, we promote the emergence of honest and beneficial information.
Besides tackling fake reviews, what other problems does daGama solve?
Gabriel Hattar:
Instead of solely focusing on removing false reviews, daGama could transform into your preferred travel buddy, providing a tailored map highlighting top-notch restaurants, amenities, and destinations. Our intention was to create daGama as a suggestion service, enabling users to discover fantastic locations, rather than a platform where people often express negativity.
To make sure travelers find top-tier suggestions tailored to their preferences, we developed an innovative user-generated map highlighting the best-loved spots. Additionally, we introduced an AI-powered recommendation system, which we named AI Vasco, that’s set to revolutionize the industry and is worth keeping an eye on!
What technology powers your solution?
Gabriel Hattar:
To date, no recommendation service or review platform has employed blockchain technology for the authentication of customer feedback. However, DaGama is paving the path forward by integrating both blockchain and artificial intelligence to address the issue of fraudulent reviews in an innovative manner.
In simpler terms, our system operates using the Gama protocol, a combination of community voting systems and blockchain tech. The daGama network employs its unique Arbitrum-compatible token, and it includes DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) and Post & Earn functionalities. This results in a practical product that effectively harnesses the advantages of blockchain technology.
Where is the project currently in terms of development?
Gabriel Hattar:
At this moment, daGama is undergoing a closed beta testing period. We’re making improvements to our platform based on user suggestions and boosting our AI and moderation systems. The anticipated launch of the public beta for both iOS and Android devices is set for the latter half of 2024, which is just before our planned Initial Exchange Offering (IEO).
In 2021, we’re preparing for a worldwide debut, emphasizing key locations like London, Rome, Dubai, and Singapore to establish Review&Earn as a global benchmark within the travel review sector. Join our waitlist at dagama.world, and keep updated with us via our Twitter or Telegram accounts!
Gabriel, I appreciate the time you’ve spent with us! It’s been great, and we’re excited to follow daGama’s progress in 2024 for sure!
Gabriel Hattar:
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2024-08-09 18:48