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Political Ignorance and the Internet

Author

Listed:
  • Bertschek Irene

    (Digital Economy Research Department, ZEW Mannheim, P.O. Box 103443, D–68034 Mannheim, Germany)

  • Müller David F.

    (University of Mannheim, Department of Economics, Mannheim, Germany)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertschek Irene & Müller David F., 2023. "Political Ignorance and the Internet," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 243(1), pages 3-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:243:y:2023:i:1:p:3-28:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2021-0066
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internet; information cost; indifference index; political ignorance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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