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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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    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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