There has been a great increase in the use of the internet as a tool for conducting transactions, thus leading to changes in the consumer behavior of buying products. Online reviews have become one of the major information sources, which determine the consumer’s attitudes and behavior when making purchases. In this research work, an analysis of the impact of online reviews on consumer purchase intention will be conducted using a qualitative research approach. The research is grounded in thematic analysis of secondary sources of literature, views of consumers, and already available empirical studies on e-word-of-mouth (e-WOM), digital trust, and consumer decision-making behavior. The research results show that consumers utilize the Internet reviews extensively for alleviating their uncertainties and risks associated with online buying activities. The positive reviews increase trust, credibility, and confidence of consumers regarding the quality of goods and brands, while negative ones substantially diminish purchase intent. Moreover, the research indicates the significance of social proofing in the era of the internet, as consumers are observed to look into the reviews and opinions of their peers before reaching an informed purchasing decision. Also, younger consumers and regular online shoppers are identified to be more responsive to review-based marketing than traditional consumers. Thus, this piece of work would benefit greatly from contributing to the body of knowledge on digital consumers and providing insights for marketers and brand managers. As a result, the study indicates that the use of online reviews has become an essential part of contemporary marketing communications and engagement. Thus, companies need to ensure openness and allow customers to give feedback and manage online review processes to increase their purchasing intentions and build consumer trust.
Article DOI: 10.62823/IJGRIT/4.2(II).9087