Work

Does digital literacy affect the happiness of rural residents? Evidence from China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Digital literacy is increasingly viewed as a prerequisite for psychological wellbeing in rural societies, yet evidence on its multidimensional effects remains fragmented. Methods: Drawing on a recent nationwide rural survey, we examined how distinct facets of digital literacy relate to residents' happiness while accounting for potential endogeneity and heterogeneity across demographic groups. Robustness checks included instrumental-variable and propensity-score approaches; social trust and perceived income served as mediators. Results: Digital literacy showed a consistent positive association with subjective wellbeing that persisted across alternative specifications. The linkage was stronger among middle-aged and older adults, men, non-eastern regions, and less-educated individuals; digital work literacy exerted the largest influence. Social trust and perceived income partly explained the relationship. Discussion: Findings highlight digital literacy as a modifiable determinant of rural happiness and underscore the value of targeted, work-oriented digital-skill interventions for digitally vulnerable populations.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1647907

Authors: Yi Ding, Junnan Zhang

Institution: Inner Mongolia Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Digital literacy in education

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801