PhD thesis defence by Karina Colombo
This thesis is composed of five essays.
In the first chapter, joint with Elisa Failache, we estimate the effects of high-speed internet on early childhood development by exploiting geographic and cohort differences in fiber-optic-to-the-home (FTTH) introduction. Using survey and administrative data, we find that a 10-percentage-point increase in lifetime FTTH exposure decreases development scores by 7% to 17% of a standard deviation.
In the second chapter, joint with Elisa Failache and Martina Querejeta, we analyse the effects of high-speed internet on mental health and healthcare use in adolescents. We find that going from 0 to 100% in FTTH accessibility reduces loneliness in 9 percentage points (pp) but increases worry in the same magnitude. We also find an increase of 11 pp in the probability of medical visits.
In the third chapter, joint with Elisa Failache, we evaluate an information experiment aimed at improving screen exposure in early childhood. We find null effects for screen time and quality in the overall sample, with mild effects on beliefs. However, vulnerable caregivers improve their beliefs and child’s quality of exposure. We also find suggestive evidence of strong survey effects motivated by the self-assessment of practices.
In the fourth chapter, joint with Elisa Failache, we analyse social desirability bias in the reporting of parenting practices through survey questions using an experimental approach. We find that inducing social desirability through a random information provision on feeding best practices reduces the reporting of consumption of ultra-processed foods by 0.160 standard deviations, indicating bias.
In the fifth chapter, I examine the relationship between childhood poverty and non-cognitive skills. Building on skill formation models and using data from children raised during an economic crisis, I find that extreme poverty is associated with lower conscientiousness and agreeableness, while moderate poverty correlates with higher levels of these traits.
The event will take place in hybrid mode.