Quantitative analysis reveals e-WOM significantly reduces purchase intentions among Generation Z consumers, indicating critical marketing implications.
The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed the landscape of marketing communication, particularly in shaping consumer purchasing decisions. This study analyzes the influence of Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WoM) on Google Review toward purchasing decisions of consumers at Trois Coffee & Eatery Majalengka, focusing on Generation Z as digital natives. A quantitative causal approach was applied, using simple linear regression analysis on 206 respondents. The findings reveal that e-WoM significantly influences purchasing decisions, but with a negative regression coefficient, indicating that higher perceptions of e-WoM—especially when dominated by negative reviews—may reduce the intention to purchase. This result is interpreted through the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) Model, Source Credibility Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasize how consumers’ perceptions of information sources shape their behavioral responses. Furthermore, communication theories such as the Two-Step Flow, Agenda-Setting, and Uses and Gratifications illustrate that consumers actively select, filter, and redistribute information. From a digital marketing perspective, as suggested by Kotler and Keller, e-WoM represents a form of customer engagement that significantly contributes to brand perception and purchasing behavior. Therefore, managing digital reviews authentically and strategically is essential for effective modern marketing communication. Abstrak. Pesatnya perkembangan teknologi digital telah mengubah lanskap komunikasi pemasaran, termasuk dalam pembentukan keputusan pembelian konsumen. Penelitian ini menganalisis pengaruh Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WoM) pada Google Review terhadap keputusan pembelian konsumen pada Trois Coffee & Eatery Majalengka, dengan fokus pada Generasi Z sebagai digital native. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif bersifat kausal dengan teknik regresi linear sederhana terhadap 206 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa e-WoM berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian, namun dengan koefisien negatif, yang mengindikasikan bahwa intensitas persepsi terhadap e-WoM terutama jika ulasannya negatif dapat menurunkan niat beli. Temuan ini dijelaskan melalui Teori Stimulus-Organisme-Respons (S-O-R), Source Credibility Theory, dan Social Cognitive Theory, yang menunjukkan bahwa persepsi terhadap sumber informasi sangat menentukan respons konsumen. Selain itu, teori komunikasi seperti Two-Step Flow, Agenda-Setting, dan Uses and Gratifications menegaskan bahwa konsumen berperan aktif dalam memilih, memfilter, dan menyebarkan informasi. Dari perspektif pemasaran digital, sebagaimana dikemukakan oleh Kotler dan Keller, e-WoM merupakan bentuk customer engagement yang berpengaruh dalam membentuk citra merek dan keputusan pembelian. Oleh karena itu, ulasan digital perlu dikelola secara strategis dan autentik sebagai bagian dari komunikasi pemasaran modern.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bilhaq et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: