I suspect it is much the same. Strong emotional experience that they want to share.

It would be lovely if people would actually write reviews outlining both sides of a particular provider, but I have never really seen it happen. I DO try to do that whenever someone personally asks me about a recommendation for something such as a doctor, dentist, babysitter, even a therapist (and yes, I've discussed my own therapist and pdoc with others who were looking). I try to tell them what I personally like about they way they practice, but I also try to let them know of any particular quirks I am aware of that may not bother me but could be important to someone else.

For instance, I LOVED the pediatrician we used for 25 years and he came highly recommended to me before the birth of our first child. BUT, I also know that he tends to run long in his appointments because he takes lots of time with his patients and their parents, so if someone is a stickler for schedules, he is probably going to drive them nuts even though his skill as a pediatrician is probably unsurpassed. That kind of thing.

I just never see that kind of two-sided objectivity on a review site. I much prefer to get my reviews from people I actually know and whose opinions and can trust to be honest with me.