Abstract
Voluntary non-commercial Internet-based distributed computing ('social sharing' for short) is an open source activity that is emerging as a distinct mode of resource allocation and economic production. This paper presents an exploratory cross-country analysis of factors determining the output of the paradigmatic social sharing project, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI@home). The key hypothesis proposed is that SETI@home output is correlated with the average level of happiness in a country. Happiness is arguably a major motivational factor for participating in this type of project. The second major hypothesis explored is that trust, i.e. a form of social capital, is a less important motivational factor. I find some support for both hypotheses, but only for the group of developed and advanced countries. However, given the data limitations and the simple model tested, the results can only be regarded as suggestive, not conclusive. It is hoped they will stimulate further research into the link between open source and happiness economics.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.