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The Instagram Effect: Is Social Media Influencing Visitation to Public Lands?

Author

Listed:
  • Ashley Lowe Mackenzie
  • Steven J. Dundas
  • Bo Zhao

Abstract

Public lands in the United States have recently experienced significant increases in visitation. Journalists and park managers suggest Instagram is a primary reason. We explore this issue in the Oregon state park system by combining visitation data with park-specific georeferenced content and engagement indicators from Instagram. Using several empirical specifications, we show suggestive evidence that Instagram is not likely correlated to increased visitation everywhere; rather, it is only in a few locations generating high user participation within the app. We find no contemporary effect and a positive association with cumulative Instagram engagement indicators on visits at this subset of parks.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashley Lowe Mackenzie & Steven J. Dundas & Bo Zhao, 2024. "The Instagram Effect: Is Social Media Influencing Visitation to Public Lands?," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 100(2), pages 256-277.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:landec:v:100:y:2024:i:2:p:256-277
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/le.100.2.122920-0192R1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chi-Ok Oh & William E. Hammitt, 2011. "Impact of Increasing Gasoline Prices on Tourism Travel Patterns to a State Park," Tourism Economics, , vol. 17(6), pages 1311-1324, December.
    2. Bergstrom, John C. & Stowers, Matthew & Shonkwiler, J. Scott, 2020. "What Does the Future Hold for U.S. National Park Visitation? Estimation and Assessment of Demand Determinants and New Projections," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 45(1), January.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q26 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Recreational Aspects of Natural Resources
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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