The Impact of Digital Technology Use on Farmers Quality of Life: Evidence from Rural China

This study examines the impact of digital technology on the quality of life of rural farmers in China using data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies. Our analysis, based on a sample of 11,644 individuals, highlights that digital technology significantly enhances the quality of life, with notable differences across regional boundaries. The most pronounced benefits are observed in the eastern and central provinces, whereas the western provinces show minimal improvement. Further, we identify non-farm employment and job income as key mediators in the relationship between digital technology use and quality of life improvements. These findings suggest that targeted digital infrastructure investments could substantially benefit rural populations, particularly in underdeveloped areas, advocating for a region-specific approach to digital development in rural China.