Research on the Impact of the Digital Economy on Women's Life Satisfaction – An Empirical Analysis Based on CGSS Data

This paper empirically analyzes the impact and mechanism of the digital economy's growth on women's life satisfaction, based on CGSS data from 2015 to 2021 and the provincial digital economy development index, by introducing panel regression models and mediation effect models incorporating mediating variables. The results show that the development of regional digital economies significantly enhances women's life satisfaction. Mediation effect tests reveal that the digital economy encourages life satisfaction by increasing women's labor income. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that, the digital economy has a stronger effect on improving the life satisfaction of rural women compared to urban women. Additionally, the impact is more profound in the central and western regions than in the eastern regions. Therefore, further motivation of regional digital economy development, especially in rural and central-western regions, is crucial to effectively bridge the "digital gap" between urban and rural areas and among different regions.