Consumers started using online reviews in the late 1990s and early 2000s, marking a significant shift in how people make purchasing decisions. This period was characterized by the rapid growth of the internet and the emergence of e-commerce platforms, providing consumers with new opportunities to access information and engage in online shopping. One of the earliest pioneers of online reviews was Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online bookstore. As Amazon expanded its product offerings to include various items beyond books, it allowed customers to leave reviews and ratings for products they purchased. This feature empowered consumers to share their experiences and opinions with a broader audience, influencing potential buyers' decisions. Amazon's review system became an essential part of the platform's success, creating a sense of community and trust among users. In the late 1990s, other e-commerce websites and online platforms began adopting similar review systems. eBay, a popular online auction and shopping website, implemented a feedback system that allowed buyers and sellers to leave reviews about their transactions. This feedback system helped establish trust and reliability among buyers and sellers within the eBay community. As the internet continued to grow, dedicated review websites emerged, catering to specific industries and niches. For instance, Epinions, founded in 1999, became one of the first consumer review websites that covered a wide range of products and services. Epinions allowed users to write detailed reviews and rate products on various criteria, providing a comprehensive resource for potential buyers. By the early 2000s, the increasing availability of broadband internet and advancements in technology made it easier for consumers to access the internet and participate in online activities. Social media platforms also gained popularity during this time, providing consumers with new channels to express their opinions and share experiences with products and services. As online shopping continued to grow in popularity, consumers sought ways to mitigate the risks associated with purchasing items they hadn't physically seen or experienced. Online reviews filled this gap, offering valuable insights from real customers that complemented product descriptions provided by retailers. Around the mid-2000s, the concept of "Web 2.0" emerged, emphasizing user-generated content and interactivity on the internet. This development further encouraged the growth of online reviews, as consumers became more comfortable sharing their opinions and experiences online. Review websites like Yelp, founded in 2004, focused on local business reviews and recommendations, becoming an essential resource for people seeking information about restaurants, shops, and services in their area. Another milestone for online reviews was the rise of social commerce. Social media platforms integrated user reviews and recommendations, allowing consumers to share their shopping experiences with friends and followers. This increased the impact of online reviews, as people often trust recommendations from their social circle. As the 2010s began, the use of smartphones and mobile apps skyrocketed, leading to a significant shift in consumer behavior. Consumers could access online reviews while shopping in physical stores, instantly comparing products and prices. This trend fueled the growth of review aggregators like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor, providing users with a wide range of reviews for businesses, hotels, and attractions worldwide. In recent years, the influence of online reviews has continued to grow, and their impact on businesses cannot be overstated. Positive reviews can boost a company's reputation and attract new customers, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect. Consequently, businesses have increasingly focused on managing and responding to online reviews to maintain a positive image and build customer trust. In conclusion, consumers began using online reviews in the late 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with the rapid growth of the internet and the rise of e-commerce platforms. Websites like Amazon and eBay played pivotal roles in popularizing the concept of customer reviews, leading to the emergence of dedicated review platforms and the integration of reviews into social media and mobile apps. Today, online reviews have become an integral part of the consumer decision-making process, shaping purchasing behavior and influencing businesses' reputations.