Characteristics of Bitcoin Users: An Analysis of Google Search Data

Matthew Wilson () and Aaron Yelowitz

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: The anonymity of Bitcoin prevents analysis of its users. We collect Google Trends data to examine determinants of interest in Bitcoin. Based on anecdotal evidence regarding Bitcoin users, we construct proxies for four possible clientele: computer programming enthusiasts, speculative investors, Libertarians, and criminals. Computer programming and illegal activity search terms are positively correlated with Bitcoin interest, while Libertarian and investment terms are not.

Keywords: Bitcoin; Digital currency; Google search data; Libertarians; Illegal Activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E42 F33 K42 K49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-11-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ict and nep-mac
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Characteristics of Bitcoin users: an analysis of Google search data (2015)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pra:mprapa:59661

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