Data for:Going digital, feeling better? Digital economy participation and subjective well-being in rural China

Published: 3 September 2026| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/sdfth9gxnm.1
Contributors:
jie wang, Chang Liu, Long Qian

Description

This study examines whether digital economy participation (DEP) improves subjective well-being (SWB) among rural residents in China, and through which channels. DEP is conceptualized as a multidimensional process involving participation conditions, participation capabilities, and participation behaviors. Results show that DEP significantly improves SWB, with participation behaviors having the strongest effect, followed by capabilities and conditions, while their interaction amplifies the gains. DEP raises socioeconomic status and social connectedness, which reshape class identity and, in turn, enhance SWB. It also improves satisfaction with income, housing, and the living environment, reflecting both material and non-material improvements. These well-being benefits appear across income, health, and education groups and are particularly pronounced among low-income and poor-health residents.These findings suggest that turning digital access into active, meaningful participation is essential to unlocking shared gains and making the digital economy a genuine engine of inclusive rural well-being.

Files

Institutions

Categories

Welfare Economics

Licence