How has the internet changed reputation?

The internet has significantly transformed the concept of reputation, making it more dynamic and widespread. Here are a few key insights from experts on this topic:

1. Shift from Real Space to Online Interactions: David Friedman emphasizes that reputation has become less tied to real space interactions and more to online ones. Platforms like eBay and Amazon use reputation mechanisms to ensure trust in transactions by letting users review each other, thus tracking reputation effectively across vast distances 1.

2. Increased Awareness and Vulnerability: Jemma Sbeg discusses how the internet has heightened our awareness of other people's opinions due to the constant digital spotlight. This can exacerbate fears of social rejection and make individuals more concerned about their reputation on a global scale, rather than just within small communities 2.

3. Impact of Disinformation: Ben Thompson points out that the internet enables the rapid spread of both good and bad information due to the low cost of producing content. This accessibility can lead to a mix of valuable content and disinformation, complicating the way reputations are formed and evaluated 3.

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     1

     Reputation and Online Interactions

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     2

     Digital Judgment Era

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     3

     Disinformation Dilemma

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     4

     Reputation and Predictions

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     5

     The Internet's Impact

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4. Historical Accountability and Transparency: Russ Roberts mentions that the web introduces a level of reputational accountability that was not present in the past. Statements and actions made online can be easily referenced, ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their predictions and behaviors 4.

5. Ethnic and Market Niches: Friedman also notes that certain market niches (e.g., motels being dominated by Indians in the US) show how reputational considerations within ethnic groups can influence business practices, even when transactions are not primarily online 1.

6. Misunderstanding of Effort and Success: Dr. Julie Gurner highlights that the internet shows the outcomes of success but often hides the hard work behind them. This can lead to false perceptions of overnight success and create pressure on individuals to present an idealized version of themselves online, impacting their authentic reputation 5.

Overall, the internet has both broadened the scope and complicated the dynamics of reputation, integrating global interactions, increasing transparency, but also exposing individuals to greater scrutiny and disinformation.