Prior studies have documented local bias in online product and online crowdfunding markets. By collecting a unique longitudinal dataset covering 91,693 Airbnb properties, we find evidence that local bias also exists in peer-to-peer rental platforms. We also prove that local bias has a negative consequence on guest satisfaction and property reputation. In addition, a focus on moderating effects reveals that (a) local bias is less prominent in properties with high prices, and (b) uploading detailed host descriptions can suppress the appearance of local bias and reduce its negative consequences on the online ratings of properties. Therefore, information asymmetry at least partially drives this phenomenon. The findings contribute to the literature and platforms in practice.

先前的研究记录了在线产品和在线众筹市场的本地偏见。通过收集涵盖 91,693 处 Airbnb 房产的独特纵向数据集，我们发现了点对点租赁平台中也存在本地偏见的证据。我们还证明了当地偏见对客人满意度和酒店声誉有负面影响。此外，对调节效应的关注表明（a）本地偏见在高价房产中不那么突出，以及（b）上传详细的主机描述可以抑制本地偏见的出现并减少其对房产在线评级的负面影响. 因此，信息不对称至少部分地驱动了这种现象。研究结果有助于文献和平台的实践。