Abstract
We use de-identified and aggregated data from Facebook to study the structure of social networks across European regions. Social connectedness declines strongly in geographic distance and at country borders. Historical borders and unions—such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia, and East/West Germany—shape present-day social connectedness over and above today’s political boundaries and other controls. All else equal, social connectedness is stronger between regions with residents of similar ages and education levels, as well as between regions that share a language and religion. In contrast, region-pairs with dissimilar incomes tend to be more connected, likely due to increased migration from poorer to richer regions.
Highlights
Social networks shape many aspects of global society including patterns of migration and travel, social mobility, and political preferences
We find that social connectedness strongly declines in geographic distance: a 10% increase in distance is associated with a 13% decline in social connectedness
We find that social connectedness declines substantially in geographic distance and at country borders
Summary
Social networks shape many aspects of global society including patterns of migration and travel, social mobility, and political preferences. Europe consists of a number of proximate nations, has a relatively high population density, and includes a diversity of areas with distinct cultural and linguistic identities Each of these factors differentiates Europe from the U.S, which has been the primary focus of prior research on social connectedness. We begin by discussing a number of case studies that show the relationship of European social connections with patterns of migration, past and present political borders, geographic distance, language, and other demographic characteristics. Our measures of social connectedness across locations builds on de-identified administrative data from Facebook, a global online social networking service. Social connectedness as measured through Facebook friendship links is strongly related to patterns of sub-national and international trade [6], patent citations [3], travel flows [5], investment decisions [13] and the spread of COVID19 [14]. We have found that information on individuals’ Facebook friendship links can help understand their product adoption decisions [7] and their housing and mortgage choices [2,4]
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