Perceived Impacts of Short-Term Rental Platforms Based on Digital Inequality Theory: Contrasting the US and UK

In recent years, short-term rental (STR) platforms such as Airbnb have enjoyed substantial success. While some studies have examined their actual effects on housing prices and the hotel industry, there is a need for comprehensive and comparable data regarding how these platforms are perceived, particularly in relation to socio-demographic factors. Addressing this gap and based on digital inequality theory, we conducted a generalizable survey in the United States and the United Kingdom to assess perceived impacts comprehensively. Our structural equation model analysis revealed that age played a crucial role in influencing residents’ perceptions of these platforms and their participation in STRs. Indeed, younger individuals tend to hold a more favorable view of STR platforms and are more inclined to use them. Education and income also significantly influenced engagement with these platforms. Additionally, differences emerged between US and UK residents regarding their use of these platforms and their perceptions of their impacts. Americans tended to view the impacts more positively, nonetheless, the results indicated lower participation in these platforms compared to their UK counterparts.