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Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages: Evidence from China

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  • Xiaofei Si
  • Maishou Li

Abstract

Based on the data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018, the relationship between internet use and informal workers’ wages and its internal mechanism were empirically discussed using the ordinary least squares and endogenous switching regression(ESR) model. The study found that internet use could significantly raise the level of wages of informal workers, and this conclusion still holds after the endogenous problem was solved through the endogenous switching regression model. Further research found that the influences of the internet use on informal workers’ wages was heterogeneous. In other words, internet use has a more obvious impact on the wages of informal workers aged 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and 51 to 60 with the educational level of university and above in cities and towns, while it has a significant negative impact on wages of informal workers aged 16 to 20.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaofei Si & Maishou Li, 2023. "Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages: Evidence from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(5), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0285973
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jiacheng Liu & Ye Yuan, 2026. "Digital Technology Adoption and Subjective Well‐Being in China: Evidence of Heterogeneous Effects Across Urban and Rural Contexts," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), June.

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