The Influence of Mobile App Store Ratings and Reviews on Download Intentions: A Study of Sri Lankan Consumers

Purpose: This study aims to understand the impact of user reviews and ratings on mobile app download intention and the moderating impact of perceived usefulness on the strength of this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: A scenario-based survey method was selected following the positivism research paradigm. For this purpose, 304 responses were collected using different versions of the same scenario. Findings: The statistical results show that 37.5% of Sri Lankan consumers' mobile app download intention is explained by mobile app ratings and reviews, which have been found to be a significant influencing factor in potential users' intentions to download the app. However, perceived usefulness does not significantly moderate this relationship. Originality: This study is the first attempt to understand the impact of user reviews and ratings on mobile app download intention in the Sri Lankan context. Implications: The findings encourage Sri Lankan mobile app developers and owners to closely monitor and respond to user reviews and ratings to better meet user expectations and improve app ratings.