Internet Use and Rural Income: Mechanisms of Online Learning and Educational Heterogeneity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/1ahdgv29Keywords:
Internet Use, Rural Income, Online Learning, Education, Mediation EffectAbstract
Internet penetration in rural China has expanded rapidly and is increasingly shaping labor allocation and income distribution. This study examines the impact of Internet use on rural household income, with a focus on online learning as a mediating channel and education as a moderating factor. Using CFPS micro-level data, the study applies OLS regression together with mediation and interaction models to identify mechanisms and heterogeneity. The results show that Internet use is positively associated with rural income and remains robust after controlling for individual characteristics. Internet use also increases participation in online learning, which has a positive but limited effect on income, indicating a partial mediation effect. In addition, education weakens the income effect of Internet use, suggesting heterogeneous returns across human capital levels. Overall, Internet use affects rural income through multiple channels, with the direct effect remaining dominant, implying unequal digital returns across groups.
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