Date & Time:  January 26th, 2022 - 17h30 (CET)

Speakers: Joop Adema (LMU Munich)

Register here (Zoom)

Topic: Mobile Internet Access and the Desire to Emigrate (joint with Cevat Giray Aksoy and Panu Poutvaara)

Abstract:How does internet access affect migration intentions and behaviour? To answer to this question, we combine a unique survey data set from 120 countries comprising more than 600,000 individuals with data on worldwide 3G mobile internet roll-out spanning from 2008 to 2018. We find a positive effect on plans to migrate (both in general and internationally) within 12 months and the preparation to migrate. We furthermore argue that pre-trends in migration intentions prior to expansion of 3G networks are unlikely to be present. Importantly, no statistically significant effects of 2G coverage have been found, excluding communication as a possible mechanism, allowing for internet access and use-related explanations.