Zomato tests 'match score' to replace ratings: What is it?
What's the story
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has proposed a major shift in how users find restaurants on the platform. Instead of relying on traditional ratings, Goyal proposed introducing a personalized "match score." This unique system would recommend eateries based on your taste preferences instead of mass reviews. Goyal shared the idea via a post on X.
Reasoning
Goyal explains the rationale behind 'match score'
Explaining his reasoning behind the proposed change, Goyal said, "We all have different tastes in food — so why rely on the same restaurant ratings?" He said Zomato has been experimenting with personalized 'match scores' internally and the results have been promising. With this new system, Goyal said, bias from mass opinions that may not match your taste is reduced.
User response
Mixed reactions to 'match score' proposal
The proposed shift from traditional ratings to a personalized match score has drawn mixed reactions from users. Some have welcomed the idea, thinking it could improve their dining experiences by helping them discover restaurants that match their personal tastes. Others raised concerns over the potential over-reliance on algorithms and the possibility of commercial bias seeping into these scores.
Potential issues
Concerns about 'familiarity bias' and new entrants
Some users expressed concerns that the proposed system could result in "familiarity bias," restricting exposure to new culinary experiences. They argued that this method is similar to the idea of splinternet - a broken-up network customized according to individual behavior and identity. There were also apprehensions over how this change could affect new entrants in the restaurant industry, favoring established eateries over newcomers.