The impact of internet use and life satisfaction on household consumption expenditure: Based on empirical data from Chinese surveys

This study explores the interplay among internet use, life satisfaction, and household consumption expenditure using data collected from the Chinese Social Survey in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The key findings are summarized as follows: Internet use encourages an increase in residents' consumption expenditure. There is a positive association between life satisfaction and household consumption expenditure. Income level acts as a mediator in the relationship between life satisfaction and household consumption expenditure. The effect of life satisfaction on household consumption expenditure differs by region. Specifically, life satisfaction significantly influences the consumption expenditure of residents in the eastern region but exhibits an insignificant impact in the central and western regions. Moreover, the regional variation in the influence of internet use on household consumption expenditure is notable. In the western region, the stimulating effect of internet use on household consumption expenditure is less pronounced compared to the central and eastern regions, where it is more substantial.