Metropolitan Social Networks and Migration: Insights From Facebook Connections

Haoqian Zou

Journal of Regional Science, 2025, vol. 65, issue 5, 1321-1337

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.

Date: 2025
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