Broadband Access and Household Risky Assets Investment: A Double/Debiased Machine Learning-Based Difference-in-Difference Approach

This study analyzes the impact of broadband access on household investments in high-risk assets by employing the Double/Debiased Machine Learning-based Difference-in-Difference (DMLDiD) method. The results demonstrate a significant increase in these investments, propelled by enhanced broadband access. This increase is particularly evident among younger, more educated households in urban areas and Eastern regions, highlighting broadband’s influence on financial behaviors across diverse demographics. The study’s novel implementation of the DMLDiD approach in analyzing household behavior enhances the current literature. It provides a comprehensive view of the influence of digital infrastructure on economic decisions across various demographic segments. This research enhances comprehension of the multifaceted effects of technology on household financial strategies, highlighting the necessity of targeted digital infrastructure development. JEL Classification: D14, G11, O33.