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arXiv · 2012.12118

Social distancing in networks: A web-based interactive experiment

Edoardo Gallo·Darija Barak·Alastair Langtry
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Abstract

Governments have used social distancing to stem the spread of COVID-19, but lack evidence on the most effective policy to ensure compliance. We examine the effectiveness of fines and informational messages (nudges) in promoting social distancing in a web-based interactive experiment conducted during the first wave of the pandemic on a near-representative sample of the US population. Fines promote distancing, but nudges only have a marginal impact. Individuals do more social distancing when they are aware they are a superspreader. Using an instrumental variable approach, we argue progressives are more likely to practice distancing, and they are marginally more responsive to fines.

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Edoardo Gallo, Darija Barak, Alastair Langtry. 2020-12-22. Social distancing in networks: A web-based interactive experiment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2023.102090

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