Time Trends in Internet Users’ Perceived Inequality and Group Differentiation: Longitudinal Analysis Based on CSS Data from 2018 to 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/v8za0752Keywords:
Social mindset; group differences; internet user group; income inequality; institutional inequality; educational stratification; vertical analysis.Abstract
In the context of the digital age, perceptions of inequality have become a key factor affecting social stability. Based on relative deprivation theory and social comparison theory, this study uses data from the Chinese Social Survey (CSS) of internet users from 2018 to 2022 and applies multilevel regression analysis to systematically examine the time trends and group differences in inequality perception among Chinese internet users. The study is based on 15,924 valid samples and builds a three-way interaction analysis framework of time, age, and education level. The study finds that from 2018 to 2022, Chinese internet users showed a clear upward trend in sensitivity to inequality issues, reflecting the impact of external shocks and economic transformation on social attitudes. In terms of group differences, there is a significant interaction effect between age and education level. Highly educated young people are the most sensitive to inequality perception, showing the effect of empowerment through education, while highly educated older people are relatively moderate, reflecting the logic of protecting vested interests. More importantly, the group differences show clear time dynamics. The perception gap between young, highly educated groups and other groups further widened during the observation period, indicating a growing trend of social attitude polarization. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in breaking through the limitations of cross-sectional research through longitudinal data analysis, revealing the dynamic mechanisms behind the evolution of inequality perception. The practical significance lies in providing scientific evidence for the government to develop targeted policies, including strengthening income redistribution and improving channels for social mobility. The research results hold important value for understanding changes in social attitudes in the digital age and for maintaining social harmony and stability.
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