A Study on the Impact of Online Reviews and Ratings on Consumer Trust with Reference to Navi Mumbai

Abstract

The digital revolution has fundamentally altered the way consumers make purchasing decisions. Online reviews and ratings have become central to the modern consumer's decision-making process, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas like Navi Mumbai, where internet penetration and smartphone usage are high. This research paper investigates the impact of online reviews and ratings on consumer trust, with a specific focus on Navi Mumbai as the study area. The study was conducted using a descriptive research design and a structured questionnaire administered to 153 respondents comprising primarily the 18–25 age group. The data was analyzed using percentage analysis, tables, charts, and graphical representations. The findings reveal that 62.1% of respondents always read reviews before purchasing, 81% have avoided buying a product due to negative reviews, and 61.4% consider ratings to be more important than written reviews. A significant 54.9% are unsure whether fake reviews exist online, highlighting a growing concern over review authenticity. The study concludes that online reviews and ratings substantially shape consumer trust and purchase behavior, and recommends that e-commerce platforms invest in verified review mechanisms and transparent rating systems to strengthen consumer confidence.