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Correlation Neglect on Social Media: Effects on Civil Service Applications in China

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  • Yihong Huang
  • Yixi Jiang
  • Ziqi Lu

Abstract

Social media, on which signals are often correlated, has become a primary source of information. How do people form beliefs when reading correlated signals online? In a field experiment on Weibo, we exposed Chinese college students to redundant negative posts about civil service jobs. Consequently, students developed a 0.16-standard-deviation higher negative view of these jobs and were 11% less likely to register for civil service exams, compared to the control group. We find the same effect in a supplemental online survey experiment, and the effect is moderated by attention. Our study demonstrates that correlation neglect can affect beliefs and real-life outcomes, including career choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Yihong Huang & Yixi Jiang & Ziqi Lu, 2025. "Correlation Neglect on Social Media: Effects on Civil Service Applications in China," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 135(672), pages 2509-2530.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:econjl:v:135:y:2025:i:672:p:2509-2530.
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