Using traditional and Google search data to understand the role of religion in shaping domestic attitudes and interest in abortion, homosexuality, and pornography across countries

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2021.102602

Commentary

Internet usage has increased significantly over the past two decades, providing an inexpensive source of data that is less prone to bias and can provide more meso- and macro-units.

However, it has been difficult to validate big data and its usefulness.

In this study, we use established sources to establish potential new sources of religious data by examining Google Trends search interest for "Bible" across designated market areas in the United States and "Ramadan" across the country.

Using these indicators, we show that people in religiously conservative U.S. regions and countries are more likely to disapprove of homosexuality, abortion, and pornography.

Americans in conservative religious regions are also more likely to search for these topics.

International interest in Islam is associated with a growing interest in pornography.