Paper Number
ICIS2026-3137
Paper Type
Completed
Abstract
Cross-border matrimonial platforms connect prospective spouses across countries, where families must evaluate both individual attributes and conditions in the destination. Drawing on availability cascade theory, we examine how a high-profile hate crime against Indian immigrants in the US affected matrimonial search on a leading Indian platform. Using difference-in-differences and event studies around the February 2017 Kansas shooting, we compare US-based Indian profiles with Canada-based profiles. We find declines in profile views and expressions of interest received by US-based men, with larger point estimates among non-citizens and highly educated men and no clear corresponding declines for women. These patterns are consistent with heightened concerns about life in the US shaping the appeal of prospective spouses, although safety concerns and immigration-policy uncertainty may both contribute. Our findings highlight how salient offline events may influence attention and initial contact on platforms mediating cross-border matrimonial search.
Recommended Citation
Dziadula, Eva; Gopal, Anand; Karmegam, Sabari Rajan; and Zavodny, Madeline, "Anti-Immigrant Hate Crimes and Cross-Border Marriage Markets: Evidence from a Marriage Platform" (2026). ICIS 2026 Proceedings. 14.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2026/society/society/14
Anti-Immigrant Hate Crimes and Cross-Border Marriage Markets: Evidence from a Marriage Platform
Cross-border matrimonial platforms connect prospective spouses across countries, where families must evaluate both individual attributes and conditions in the destination. Drawing on availability cascade theory, we examine how a high-profile hate crime against Indian immigrants in the US affected matrimonial search on a leading Indian platform. Using difference-in-differences and event studies around the February 2017 Kansas shooting, we compare US-based Indian profiles with Canada-based profiles. We find declines in profile views and expressions of interest received by US-based men, with larger point estimates among non-citizens and highly educated men and no clear corresponding declines for women. These patterns are consistent with heightened concerns about life in the US shaping the appeal of prospective spouses, although safety concerns and immigration-policy uncertainty may both contribute. Our findings highlight how salient offline events may influence attention and initial contact on platforms mediating cross-border matrimonial search.
Comments
06_Societal_impacts