Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic picked it as one of the best from Funhouse, stating that "the snotty stance is second nature to her, so maybe that's why Funhouse only really clicks when Pink abandons any pretense of mourning her relationship and just cuts loose with galumphing rhythms and schoolyard taunts, the kind that fuel 'Bad Influence' and make it instantly indelible.

"[1] Joan Anderman from The Boston Globe agreed, writing: "It is a signature track, a fully cranked, reggae-flecked party tune celebrating the singer's, um, leadership skills.

Bristling at any perceived weakness while exposing her vulnerable side, she is "keeping it real" while also maintaining a healthy sense of humor.

Club gave "Bad Influence" a negative review, commenting: "It represents the worst of the album, with a pleased-as-punch inventory of Pink's own rebelliousness and a circus-like sound that claims to have some explanation for what it means to be 'the instigator of underwear'.

"[6] Spencer D. from IGN also criticized the song, writing that it showcased Pink "sounding an awful lot like late 1990s PacNorWest Alt Rock darlings Harvey Danger, at least in terms of her cadence and vocal buoyancy.