MSc Development Economics – University of Sussex
Supervisor: Dr. Julie Litchfield
September 2011
Abstract
This dissertation work if focused on the effects of social networking sites on social capital and well-being. In particular, the effects of these services are studied on a macro level with a panel dataset of 50 countries over 7 years from 2004 to 2010. Their popularity is measured using new data which is taken from Google services and then compiled and validated; the coefficients turn out to be negative with a 10% increase in their popularity associated with a 0.8% decrease in subjective well-being on average and ceteris paribus.
Information on the author
I recently graduated from the University of Sussex with an MSc in Development Economics and I previously studied Economics and International Marketing in Modena (Italy). I’ve been working in Italian and International Organizations such as the United Nations, the European Commission and the Italian Consulate. My main areas of interest are subjective well-being, computer-mediated communication and social networks. Since many years I am also a professional blogger, webmaster of many websites and social media expert.
Contact details
Fabrizio Trentacosti
E-mail: [email protected]
Website (blog): http://web.splesh.net
Website (curriculum): http://it.linkedin.com/in/noltha