Journal article

Authors list: Bertschek, Irene; Mueller, David F.

Publication year: 2023

Pages: 3-28

Journal: Journal of Economics and Statistics

Volume number: 243

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 0021-4027

eISSN: 2366-049X

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2021-0066

Publisher: De Gruyter Brill

Abstract: 
We examine the link between Internet usage and political ignorance. To do so, we construct a novel index measuring individuals' indifference with respect to political issues, which determines the degree of individual political ignorance. Our descriptive econometric analysis is based on a rich dataset consisting of six surveys of individuals covering the time period 2001-2014 and being representative for the German electorate. The empirical results show that in earlier years of Internet diffusion, there is a negative link between using the Internet and political ignorance. This link changes sign in later years of Internet diffusion. We discuss potential explanations of this observed change in the link such as information overload and the increase in heterogeneity of Internet users.

Harvard Citation style: Bertschek, I. and Mueller, D. (2023) Political Ignorance and the Internet, Journal of Economics and Statistics, 243(1), pp. 3-28. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2021-0066

APA Citation style: Bertschek, I., & Mueller, D. (2023). Political Ignorance and the Internet. Journal of Economics and Statistics. 243(1), 3-28. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2021-0066