Internet Use, Health, and Well-being: Exploring the Role of Social Capital

Valentina Rotondi , Bocconi University
Nicoletta Balbo, Bocconi University
Luca Stella, Bocconi University

This paper explores the relationship between Internet, health, and wellbeing focusing on the role of social capital as a potential mediating pathway. Estimates, based on fixed effects models with Pairfam data, show that Internet extensive users are more likely to report poor health and lower levels of wellbeing. Our findings suggest that two main dimensions of social capital, namely social interactions and social activities, play a relevant mediating role in the relationship between Internet use and health.

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 Presented in Session 249. Social and Economic Determinants of Health and Mortality