The impact of internet use on the perceptions of class boundaries and life trajectories: A report from a representative survey in China

Abstract

In recent years, the rigidification of the social structure in Chinese society has attracted public attention. Conventional wisdom holds that internet use could potentially improve upward class mobility. However, little empirical research has been conducted in the Chinese context. The current study aims to investigate the effects of different types of internet use on perceived future mobility. This study demonstrates that perceived upward future mobility is generally maintained in China. Internet experience leads to a negative impact of the internet on perceived future mobility. Furthermore, entertainment use positively affects perceived future mobility, while information-seeking use negatively affects perceived future mobility. This study shows that the effects of different types of internet use on perceived future mobility are heterogeneous across age groups.