Tired of overdramatic TikTok food influencers? Professional critics are too

Food influencers on TikTok and Instagram heavily promote restaurants, generating significant attention but raising concerns about review authenticity. The ease of creating online food reviews has democratized the field, prioritizing engagement over critical analysis. This has led to hyperbolized reviews, often in exchange for free meals or brand deals. The Guild of Food Writers criticizes this lack of honesty, contrasting it with traditional food criticism's depth and expertise. Many viewers, however, trust these influencers, exemplified by the immense popularity of creators lacking formal culinary credentials. This contrasts with the past when editors acted as gatekeepers of food journalism, ensuring quality. The rise of influencer-driven content has coincided with a decline in traditional print food criticism. The blurring of genuine reviews and sponsored content makes it difficult to assess trustworthiness. Ultimately, despite concerns, influencers' impact on food media will continue to grow. The decline of print media has further diminished traditional food criticism's presence.