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<p>There is an ongoing debate about whether digital technologies deliver welfare gains or introduce hidden costs. Evidence on the welfare effects of rapidly growing short-video platforms, especially for digitally disadvantaged groups in China is limited. This study examines the association between short-video use and subjective happiness using the China Family Panel Studies 2020–2022 panel (<i>N</i> = 22,282). Employing two-way fixed-effects models and multiple robustness tests, we find that moderate short-video use is associated with higher self-reported happiness. Heterogeneity analysis shows stronger impact for digitally disadvantaged groups, including rural residents especially seniors, older adults especially without companion and less-educated. Mechanism tests point to emotional companionship and social trust, driven by enhanced information access. These findings suggest that short videos may serve as a low-cost means to promote happiness and digital inclusion.</p>

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Digital welfare or hidden price: short videos, happiness, and the digital Inclusion

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月31日

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  • Yu Du,
  • Yuxi Liao,
  • Renfu Luo

摘要

There is an ongoing debate about whether digital technologies deliver welfare gains or introduce hidden costs. Evidence on the welfare effects of rapidly growing short-video platforms, especially for digitally disadvantaged groups in China is limited. This study examines the association between short-video use and subjective happiness using the China Family Panel Studies 2020–2022 panel (N = 22,282). Employing two-way fixed-effects models and multiple robustness tests, we find that moderate short-video use is associated with higher self-reported happiness. Heterogeneity analysis shows stronger impact for digitally disadvantaged groups, including rural residents especially seniors, older adults especially without companion and less-educated. Mechanism tests point to emotional companionship and social trust, driven by enhanced information access. These findings suggest that short videos may serve as a low-cost means to promote happiness and digital inclusion.