Exploring the underlying roles of perceived social inequality in the relationship between internet use and fertility expectations in China

Abstract China’s declining fertility rate has attracted growing public concern. Understanding the determinants of individuals’ fertility intentions is crucial for optimizing fertility-related policies and promoting long-term population equilibrium. Drawing on data from the 2018 and 2022 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study systematically examines the impact of Internet use on fertility intentions among people of reproductive age. The results indicate that Internet use significantly reduces fertility intentions (α = −0.1587, p < 0.01); the longer individuals use the Internet per day, the fewer children they intend to have (α = −0.0190, p < 0.01). This negative effect is more pronounced among females, individuals under 30, and residents in both eastern and western regions. The mediation analysis reveals that perceived social inequality serves as a key intermediary mechanism: Internet use amplifies individuals’ perceptions of income disparity, which lowers their subjective social status and, consequently, suppresses fertility intentions. Moreover, the moderating analysis shows that Confucian culture can partially buffer this adverse effect. Based on these findings, this paper recommends improving the credibility and dissemination quality of fertility-related public information to enhance individuals’ ability to evaluate and trust information sources; optimizing fertility support services for key demographic groups to reduce real-life pressures; strengthening the responsiveness of social policies to mitigate class-based anxiety; and fostering balanced interpretations of traditional cultural values to promote gender equity and sustain fertility intentions.