Kathryn R. Johnson and Claudia Persico have a new NBER working paper on exactly that topic:Between 2000 and 2008, access to high-speed, broadband internet grew significantly in the United States, but there is debate on whether access to high-speed internet improves or harms wellbeing. We further find that this reduction in suicide deaths is likely due to economic improvements in counties that have access to broadband internet. Counties with increased access to broadband internet see reductions in poverty rate and unemployment rate. In addition, zip codes that gain access to broadband internet see increases in the numbers of employees and establishments. It seems broadband is indeed (was indeed?)

Source: Forbes June 03, 2024 21:57 UTC