Research on the Influence of Digital Economy on the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Areas in China

In recent years, with the rapid advancement of information technology and the widespread proliferation of the Internet, digital technology has been reshaping the value chains of traditional industries and giving rise to entirely new business models and industrial forms. Technologies such as the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence are being applied across various sectors, while new formats like e-commerce, the sharing economy, and online education are flourishing. These developments have driven new consumption patterns and employment methods. The rapid rise of the digital economy not only boosts production efficiency and economic growth but also influences the income distribution between urban and rural areas to some extent. This paper begins by examining the current state and characteristics of the digital economy and then analyzes its impact on the urban-rural income gap. Additionally, it offers countermeasures and recommendations for narrowing this gap, providing theoretical support for promoting common prosperity.