Topic: Digital Dividends in Development: Early-Life Internet Exposure and Noncognitive Skills

Speaker: Liu Wanlin, University of International Business and Economics

Time: March 20, 2025, 16:00

Venue: EMS 440

Abstract:

This research addresses a gap in the literature by examining the long-term effects of childhood Internet exposure on noncognitive skills. We use a difference-in-differences approach and find that exposure in ages 0-12 positively impacts noncognitive skills such as extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Cognitive skills show little response. Mechanisms indicate that Internet upgrades enhance home environments through income and information channels, fostering noncognitive skills.

Guest Bio:

Liu Wanlin is an Associate Professor at the School of International Trade and Economics, University of International Business and Economics. Her research focuses on human capital accumulation. She has published multiple papers in leading international economics journals, including Journal of Health Economics, Journal of Comparative Economics, and Regional Science and Urban Economics. She has also served as the principal investigator for a Youth Project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).