Psychology
The Sociology of Trust in Anonymous Online Marketplaces
Quick fact
On platforms like eBay or Craigslist, a seller with just a handful of positive reviews can outsell a new seller with no history, even when the product is identical — showing that trust is not about the product but about the perceived trustworthiness of the counterpart.
Why this is interesting
You've probably bought something from a stranger online without a second thought. But how can you trust someone you've never met, who might be using a fake name?