Social Media’s Hidden Cost

Ranging from individuals to the entire economy, the cost of social media generally and of Facebook specifically ripples in many directions.

When To Speed Up Tennis

To minimize the negative externality that players like Rafael Nadal create, officials have tried speeding up tennis with a serve clock.

Why the U.K. Wants a Latte Levy

Because the polyethylene in coffee cups prevents proper recycling, the British parliament is considering a latte levy to solve the problem.

Marijuana and Your Grade Average

According to a Dutch study, we can observe the impact of marijuana on academic performance in quantitative courses at Maastricht University.

Econlife Quiz: The Economics of U.S. Presidential Inaugurations

One week ago, America witnessed the Inauguration of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. From million dollar donors to glitzy ball gowns, no doubt a U.S. Presidential Inauguration has become both a historic and spectacular occasion. The…

Weekly Roundup: From Airline Seats to Earthquakes

Our weekly roundup includes everyday economics that relate to opportunity cost, corporate taxation, GDP, monopolistic competition & negative externalities.

Solving the Airplane Seat Problem

According to Ronald Coase, if reclining in an airline seat creates a negative externality, both parties can negotiate because the transaction costs are low.

The Spillover from Refrigerators in China

The spread of refrigeration in China has positive and negative externalities that relate to household diets, greenhouse gases and transport and home waste.

Could You Like a Carbon Tax?

Our Wednesday environment focus Here is my “To Do” list for reducing carbon emissions: Buy a Prius. Install solar panels. Take the train to NYC. Lower my thermostat to 60 degrees during the winter. Raise my AC thermostat to 78 during…

How Much Will You Pay For the HOT Lane?

The results of dynamic tolling appear to be surprising the Florida Department of Transportation. Alone in your car on Florida’s I-95, you no longer have to remain in slow moving traffic. For a price, you can enter a HOV (High…