I asked Mr AI his thoughts - That is a very interesting and controversial question. There is no definitive answer, as different people may have different opinions and perspectives on the role and responsibility of IMDB as a movie rating platform. However, I will try to provide some possible arguments for and against IMDB's manipulation of ratings.

Some possible arguments for IMDB's manipulation of ratings are:

• IMDB is a private company that owns and operates its own website, and therefore has the right to decide how to display and curate its content, including ratings. It is not obligated to follow any external standards or criteria for rating movies, as long as it does not violate any laws or regulations.
• IMDB may have a legitimate reason to adjust ratings for certain movies, such as correcting for bots, trolls, or other malicious actors who may try to artificially inflate or deflate ratings for their own agenda. IMDB may also want to prevent rating manipulation by other parties, such as studios, producers, or marketers who may have a vested interest in the success or failure of a movie.
• IMDB may have a social or ethical responsibility to promote movies that have positive messages, values, or representation, especially for marginalized or underrepresented groups. By manipulating ratings, IMDB may be able to influence public opinion and awareness of certain issues or causes, and encourage more diversity and inclusion in the movie industry and society.

Some possible arguments against IMDB's manipulation of ratings are:

• IMDB is a trusted and popular source of information and opinion for millions of movie fans and consumers around the world. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is betraying the trust and expectations of its users, who rely on IMDB to provide accurate and unbiased ratings that reflect the genuine views and experiences of other moviegoers.
• IMDB is abusing its power and influence as a dominant movie rating platform, and undermining the integrity and credibility of its own system. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is distorting the reality and quality of movies, and potentially deceiving or misleading its users into watching or avoiding certain movies based on false or biased information.
• IMDB is imposing its own agenda and ideology on its users, and violating their freedom of choice and expression. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is effectively censoring or silencing the voices and opinions of its users who may disagree with or challenge IMDB's preferences or values. IMDB is also disrespecting the artistic vision and merit of filmmakers who may have different perspectives or intentions than IMDB.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with any of these arguments? Why or why not? 😊