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Mobile Internet and the Rise of Political Tribalism in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Manacorda

    (School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London)

  • Guido Tabellini

    (Department of Economics and IGIER, Bocconi University;)

  • Andrea Tesei

    (School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London)

Abstract

Abstract: We study the political effects of the diffusion of mobile Internet between 2007 and 2017, using data on electoral outcomes and on mobile Internet signal across the 84,564 municipalities of 22 European countries. We find that access to mobile Internet increased voters’ support for right-wing populist parties and for parties running on extreme socially conservative platforms, primarilyin areas with greater economic deprivation. Using survey data, we also show that mobile Internet increased communitarian attitudes, such as nationalism and dislike of strangers and minorities. We conclude that mobile Internet benefitted right-wing populist parties because, in line with findings in social psychology, it fostered offline tribalism.ity.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Manacorda & Guido Tabellini & Andrea Tesei, 2022. "Mobile Internet and the Rise of Political Tribalism in Europe," Working Papers 941, Queen Mary University of London, School of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:qmw:qmwecw:941
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    File URL: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sef/media/econ/research/workingpapers/2022/wp941.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Populism; Communitarianism; Europe; mobile Internet.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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