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<p>Under China’s dual carbon strategy, understanding how digital technologies reshape household consumption and associated carbon emissions has become increasingly important. To illuminate these dynamics, this paper develops a utility-based analytical framework that identifies two core mechanisms through which internet use influences indirect carbon emissions: a preference-induced mechanism that amplifies demand for development- and enjoyment-oriented goods, and an income mechanism that lowers transaction costs and expands effective purchasing power. Using nationally representative microdata from the Chinese Social Survey, household indirect carbon emissions are estimated through the Consumer Lifestyle Approach and examined with regression analysis. The empirical results show that internet use significantly increases household indirect carbon emissions, with the strongest effects emerging in development-oriented consumption categories. Consumption structure plays a negative moderating role, as households with a higher share of enjoyment-oriented spending experience a weaker emission-enhancing effect. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the impact varies substantially: the emission-promoting effect is notably stronger in Northeastern and Western China, urban areas, middle- and low-income households, and the elderly population. Conversely, regions implementing digital infrastructure pilot policies exhibit a weakened carbon impact. This research advances the literature in three ways. First, it offers a clear behavioral mechanism linking digitalization and household carbon outcomes, enriching theoretical understanding. Second, it provides micro-level empirical evidence using a nationally representative dataset, addressing a gap in existing macro-level studies. Third, it uncovers structural and policy-driven heterogeneity that can guide differentiated low-carbon interventions, including promoting green online consumption and optimizing digital infrastructure layout.</p>

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How does internet use affect household indirect carbon emissions? Micro-evidence from preference-induced and consumption structure adjustment

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月30日

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  • Guangyuan Qin,
  • Yiting Zhu,
  • Qiong Wu,
  • Chang Yu

摘要

Under China’s dual carbon strategy, understanding how digital technologies reshape household consumption and associated carbon emissions has become increasingly important. To illuminate these dynamics, this paper develops a utility-based analytical framework that identifies two core mechanisms through which internet use influences indirect carbon emissions: a preference-induced mechanism that amplifies demand for development- and enjoyment-oriented goods, and an income mechanism that lowers transaction costs and expands effective purchasing power. Using nationally representative microdata from the Chinese Social Survey, household indirect carbon emissions are estimated through the Consumer Lifestyle Approach and examined with regression analysis. The empirical results show that internet use significantly increases household indirect carbon emissions, with the strongest effects emerging in development-oriented consumption categories. Consumption structure plays a negative moderating role, as households with a higher share of enjoyment-oriented spending experience a weaker emission-enhancing effect. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the impact varies substantially: the emission-promoting effect is notably stronger in Northeastern and Western China, urban areas, middle- and low-income households, and the elderly population. Conversely, regions implementing digital infrastructure pilot policies exhibit a weakened carbon impact. This research advances the literature in three ways. First, it offers a clear behavioral mechanism linking digitalization and household carbon outcomes, enriching theoretical understanding. Second, it provides micro-level empirical evidence using a nationally representative dataset, addressing a gap in existing macro-level studies. Third, it uncovers structural and policy-driven heterogeneity that can guide differentiated low-carbon interventions, including promoting green online consumption and optimizing digital infrastructure layout.