Metropolitan Social Networks and Migration: Insights From Facebook Connections
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper investigates the role of social networks in shaping individual migration decisions in the U.S., with a particular focus on the COVID‐19 pandemic period. Using nationally representative migration data from the American Community Survey and the metropolitan‐level Social Connectedness Index from Facebook, I estimate a conditional logit model, employing historical ethnic distance as an instrumental variable to address endogeneity. The results indicate that social networks significantly influence migration choices, with heterogeneous effects across demographic groups and geographic settings. The effect is stronger for moves toward destinations heavily affected by COVID‐19 and for individuals originating from areas with lower pandemic exposure.
Source: Journal of Regional Science
DOI: 10.1111/jors.70004
Author: Haoqian Zou
Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Language: English
Topic: Migration and Labor Dynamics
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4412036079