Nowadays, most people can’t remember the last time they called a restaurant and asked for their food to be delivered. In fact, most people can’t recall the last time they called a restaurant for anything. In this new era of convenience, food delivery has undergone a revolutionary transformation. What once involved a phone call to a local restaurant and an uncertain wait has evolved into a seamless swiping and clicking experience thanks to delivery apps like UberEats, Doordash, and others. However, despite the convenience that these platforms provide, there have been drawbacks, and dealing with these problems requires a close study of the role that content moderation plays in keeping these environments safe and enjoyable for both users and restaurants.

From Dialling to Swiping

From its humble beginnings as restaurant phone calls to the online world of delivery apps, this industry has brought about a big change in the way people eat. Initially, ordering food meant uncertainty, enduring long waiting periods, and having to choose from a limited selection of dishes. However, delivery apps have now opened up the possibility for users to have a ridiculously wide range of dining options right at their fingertips.

On top of that, these applications provided a whole new level of transparency. They allow customers to track their orders in real-time, providing updates on the status of their meal’s preparation and delivery. Plus, the integration of “chats” gives users the option to interact with delivery personnel for queries or special instructions.

This shift from traditional delivery methods to app-based platforms has reshaped the expectations of modern consumers. It’s not merely about getting food delivered anymore; it’s about the control, variety, and seamless experience that these apps offer.

Negative Impacts of Delivery Apps

On Users

Even though delivery apps seem to offer simplicity and convenience, a number of flaws have been found that make the user experience less than ideal. Among these issues are reports of harassment and mistreatment during text messages. Evidently, these open channels intended for quick interactions have become, in some cases, a space for improper behaviour, compromising the sense of security and trust consumers have. Even more confusing is the rise of fake accounts pretending to be delivery people, which not only jeopardise the software’s reliability but also offer serious safety hazards to naïve users, especially considering the fact that underage people and young adults are the main users of these platforms.

Also, customers are now even more vulnerable due to the increase of fake restaurants, leading to them not receiving what they ordered, losing money, and eating unregulated food. This issue is also accompanied by fake or malicious reviews that not only misguide users but also lower trust in genuine feedback, impacting the credibility of the entire reviewing system.

On Delivery People

Violent reviews and mistreatment from customers can profoundly impact the job satisfaction and mental well-being of food delivery personnel. These reviews not only influence their job performance, but having to regularly deal with harsh, aggressive, or violent reviews, often based on misunderstandings or personal biases, can seriously affect their mental health. And unfortunately, this might not even be the worst aspect of it; they are also vulnerable to facing mistreatment or abuse during chat interactions with customers. Over time, this mistreatment takes a toll on their overall mental well-being and job retention, highlighting the pressing need for respect and consideration in customer interactions.

On Restaurants

This new digital space can be difficult to navigate for already established franchises and non-tech savvy restaurants who might be unaware of how reviews can make or break their reputation. The power of positive comments within these apps is immense, and they can attract a flood of potential customers. However, the flip side of this digital coin is profoundly impactful. Fake, violent, and negative reviews have the ability to dismantle a restaurant’s credibility and repel all of those potential customers. Even a single fraudulent or harsh review, whether unintentional or malicious, can severely damage a restaurant’s image and financial stability.

The All-Encompassing Solution

We’ve gone over the main issues that stalk food delivery apps, from fake reviews and violent chatting to fake profiles and restaurants. But now, what can we do to solve all of these problems? Here’s where content moderation comes in, combining human judgement with the efficiency of AI-driven operations. 

AI-based moderation works as a watchdog, rapidly examining and evaluating large databases. It has the ability to recognise and censor violent communication in any channel, spot fake profiles, and report suspicious activity. AI-powered algorithms and human moderators work together to guarantee a more thorough and compassionate approach to addressing the many issues encountered by these new digital platforms.

Content moderation combines AI’s ability to quickly process large amounts of data with humans’ ability to understand complex cases. This mix of technology and human intuition is the key to finding the perfect balance between sensitivity and efficiency to increase trust and safety.

A Better Experience for All

By implementing an integrated content moderation strategy, delivery apps can cultivate a safer, more trustworthy ecosystem for both users and restaurants. Rapid identification and removal of fake profiles and harmful content shield users from potential threats, cultivating a secure environment. Furthermore, authentic reviews and feedback can be highlighted, providing a fair and transparent platform for restaurants to flourish. This harmonious collaboration between AI-driven efficiency and human empathy caters to the diverse needs of users and businesses, striving to strike a delicate balance that ensures a positive experience for all stakeholders involved.