Lessons from the food vlogger case in Jogja, food review ethics to avoid being blacklisted by F&B entrepreneurs

foto: Pexels/Anna Shvets

Being a food vlogger requires a professional and thoughtful attitude in delivering criticism.

Brilio.net - Being a food vlogger is now not only about recording the experience of enjoying food, but also about how to convey food reviews in a fair and responsible manner. Unfortunately, not all players in this industry understand the ethics of providing food reviews. Recently, there was a case in Jogja that could be an important lesson for all food vloggers.

A food vlogger was criticized and even blacklisted by local culinary entrepreneurs after giving a review that was considered to be derogatory. In his review, the vlogger used provocative language and tended to disrespect the efforts of culinary entrepreneurs. This led to a major controversy on social media and became the focus of culinary industry players. This case reminds everyone that being a food vlogger requires a professional and wise attitude in delivering criticism, not only to respect the hard work of others but also to maintain one's image in the eyes of the public.

Through this case, it is important to review what ethics a food vlogger must adhere to in providing food reviews in order to provide added value without causing problems.

A food vlogger is an individual who actively creates video content about food, whether it be restaurant reviews, recipes, or culinary explorations. With more and more people entering this world, the responsibility of a food vlogger is no longer just about tasting food and sharing it on social media. There is an aspect of professionalism that must be maintained, especially in providing food reviews.

Food reviews are a way for viewers to get information about the quality, taste, price, and service of a restaurant or eatery. However, food reviews can also be a double-edged sword. Inappropriate or rude reviews can damage a business's reputation, especially if they are done by someone with a lot of influence like a food vlogger.

In the culinary industry, food reviews have a big influence on the popularity of a restaurant. Therefore, reviews must be given with full consideration and responsibility. A food vlogger must understand that a restaurant is the result of hard work from a team of many people. Criticizing in a derogatory manner will not only damage the restaurant's reputation, but also reduce the credibility of the food vlogger himself.

Ethics are very important so that food reviews are not only beneficial for viewers, but also fair for business owners. By providing balanced and honest reviews, food vloggers can provide valuable input while maintaining good relations with culinary industry players.

1. Be honest and objective.

Giving an honest review is a must. If the food you tasted was not good, say it objectively without exaggerating. Use polite and constructive words so that the business owner can accept the feedback without feeling attacked. Good criticism is constructive, not destructive.

2. Respect workers in the culinary industry.

As a food vlogger, you have to respect the hard work that chefs, servers, and everyone else in the industry has put in. A food review should not demean or insult them. Give them credit for the effort they have put in, even if there are things that need to be improved.

3. Avoid harsh language.

Using harsh or sarcastic language will only harm the food vlogger himself. Viewers will appreciate reviews that are delivered professionally and elegantly. Avoid words that can cause misunderstandings or conflicts.

4. Understand context and culture.

Every restaurant or eatery has a different culture and concept. As a food vlogger, it is important to understand the context of the place before giving a review. For example, don't give negative criticism to a restaurant that serves traditional food just because you don't like the type of food. Make sure to judge fairly based on the restaurant's standards.

5. Use supporting data.

A good review is also supported by relevant facts or data. You can compare prices with similar restaurants, or give ratings based on industry standards. That way, the food review you provide is more informative and not just a personal opinion.

In addition to implementing good ethics, there are several things to avoid when giving food reviews:

- Don't spread hate:

Don't let personal dislike of a restaurant or food become an excuse to spread hate. Negative food reviews will only make the situation worse and damage relationships.

- Avoid plagiarism:

Never copy reviews from other food vloggers or other sources without giving credit. Originality is very important in the world of content creators, including for food vloggers.

- Don't criticize just for viral content:

Overly criticizing just to get attention or create viral content is unethical. Stick to providing honest and helpful reviews.

The recent case in Jogja, where a food vlogger was blocked or blacklisted by a culinary entrepreneur for giving a negative review, is a real example of how unethical reviews can have a negative impact. In the digital world, every review that is spread can quickly spread widely and affect someone's business. When a food review is delivered in a derogatory or provocative tone, the business owner has the right to defend themselves and take steps to protect their business's reputation.

Therefore, food vloggers must always remember that the content they create is not only enjoyed by the audience, but also has a direct impact on the lives of many people. Maintaining ethics in food reviews is not only about maintaining good relations with culinary entrepreneurs, but also building a reputation as a professional and respected content creator.

(brl/tin)