How does digital technology use affect the participation of flexibly employed workers in pension insurance? Evidence from China

In the context of the digital economy reshaping new forms of employment while social security coverage for flexibly employed workers remains inadequate,this study, set against the backdrop of digital economy reshaping employment and insufficient social security for flexibly employed workers, uses CFPS microdata to systematically analyze the impact and mechanisms of digital technology use on pension insurance participation. Empirically, digital technology use significantly promotes participation, a finding robust to various sensitivity tests. Mechanistically, it facilitates participation by raising income, job satisfaction, and trust in social security. Interestingly, the contribution base plays a negative moderating role. Heterogeneity reveals that the positive effect is stronger among middle-aged and older workers, agricultural hukou holders, less-educated, and married groups. Policy recommendations include a targeted digital expansion strategy, optimized contribution parameters accommodating flexible work, and a long-term promotion mechanism centered on improving job quality and institutional trust, so as to sustainably increase pension insurance participation.