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Internet access and household consumption: Impact on expenditure, food diversity, and macronutrient intake in India

Author

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  • Swaroop, B Sai
  • Dagnelie, Olivier
  • Nayak, Rajabhushan Jagadish
  • Choudhary, Akanksha
  • Singh, Ashish

Abstract

Recent progress in internet accessibility have significantly altered household consumption patterns, affecting expenditure decisions, dietary diversity, and macronutrient intake. This study examines how internet accessibility influences household consumption behavior in India using the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23 survey. To address endogeneity, we employ an Instrumental Variable (IV) framework, complemented by the Plausibly Exogenous method and Coarsened Exact Matching. Results reveal that internet-connected households exhibit higher overall spending, particularly on durable goods, consumables, and food, alongside greater discretionary expenditure. Internet access also enhances dietary outcomes, with connected households consuming more calories, macronutrients, and a wider variety of foods. The findings underscore the need for policies that expand affordable internet, promote digital literacy, and integrate online platforms into nutrition and financial education, thereby ensuring inclusive welfare gains from digitalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Swaroop, B Sai & Dagnelie, Olivier & Nayak, Rajabhushan Jagadish & Choudhary, Akanksha & Singh, Ashish, 2026. "Internet access and household consumption: Impact on expenditure, food diversity, and macronutrient intake in India," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 790-802.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:92:y:2026:i:c:p:790-802
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.06.035
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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