<![CDATA[The digital transformation has shifted transactional behavior toward online platforms, yet this evolution is overshadowed by rampant fraud risks and consumer fatigue toward formal advertisements (promo fatigue). To overcome these challenges, companies have begun integrating User-Generated Content (UGC) as a dynamic, two-way dialogic instrument. This study aims to analyze the core characteristics of UGC in digital marketing communication and examine the extent of its influence on building consumer trust. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach utilizing the library research method. Secondary data were gathered through a systematic review of reputable scientific journals, textbooks, and industry reports published within the last 10 years. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman qualitative model, which comprises data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that UGC is characterized by high authenticity, information transparency, and a non-commercial nature and functions as a powerful electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM) agent. Theoretical analysis based on Social Proof Theory, Source Credibility Theory, and Consumer-Based Trust Theory demonstrates that UGC is a significant driver of consumer trust. Original content from real consumers minimizes information asymmetry and effectively satisfies the three core dimensions of trust: brand reliability, integrity, and competence. Nonetheless, this paper reveals an "Authenticity Paradox" triggered by astroturfing (fake reviews), which poses a critical threat to digital reputation. Businesses are encouraged to facilitate and incentivize honest consumer reviews rather than relying solely on aggressive formal ads. At the same time, future researchers are advised to empirically test this framework using quantitative measures. Transformasi digital telah menggeser perilaku transaksi ke arah daring (online), namun perkembangan ini dibayangi oleh maraknya risiko penipuan serta kejenuhan konsumen terhadap iklan konvensional (promo fatigue). Guna mengatasi tantangan tersebut, perusahaan mulai mengintegrasikan User-Generated Content (UGC) sebagai instrumen dialogis dua arah yang dinamis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis karakteristik utama UGC dalam komunikasi pemasaran digital serta menguji sejauh mana pengaruhnya terhadap pembentukan kepercayaan konsumen (consumer trust). Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan metode studi pustaka (library research). Data sekunder diperoleh melalui penelusuran sistematis terhadap jurnal ilmiah bereputasi, buku teks, dan laporan industri yang diterbitkan dalam rentang waktu 10 tahun terakhir. Analisis data mengadopsi model kualitatif Miles dan Huberman yang meliputi kondensasi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa UGC memiliki karakteristik utama berupa otentisitas yang tinggi, transparansi informasi, bersifat non-komersial, dan berfungsi sebagai agen electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM) yang kuat. Analisis teoretis berbasis Social Proof Theory, Source Credibility Theory, dan Consumer-Based Trust Theory membuktikan bahwa UGC berpengaruh signifikan sebagai penentu utama (primary driver) dalam membangun consumer trust. Konten orisinal dari konsumen riil terbukti mampu meminimalkan asimetri informasi dan secara efektif memenuhi tiga dimensi utama kepercayaan, yaitu keandalan (reliability), integritas (integrity), dan kompetensi (competence) merek. Meskipun demikian, naskah ini juga mengungkap adanya "Paradoks Otentisitas" akibat fenomena astroturfing (ulasan palsu) yang dapat merusak reputasi digital. Pelaku bisnis disarankan memberikan insentif bagi ulasan jujur konsumen daripada berfokus pada iklan formal, sementara peneliti selanjutnya disarankan melakukan pengujian empiris secara kuantitatif.]]>
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