杭州市数字反哺弥合“银发”数字鸿沟效果的调查研究

An Empirical Study on the Effectiveness of Digital Assistance in Bridging the “Silver” Digital Divide in Hangzhou

摘要: “银发”数字鸿沟是影响老年人生活幸福感的重要问题。本文聚焦于“数字之城”杭州市60岁及以上老年居民的数字鸿沟现状，通过实地调查、问卷和访谈等形式，基于回收的414份有效调查问卷，研究借助描述性分析构建数字反哺指数和数字鸿沟指数，以反映杭州市老年人的数字技能现状，采用倾向得分匹配(PSM)分析探究数字反哺对老年人数字鸿沟的弥合作用，最后利用分位数回归分析数字反哺在不同数字鸿沟水平下的异质性影响。研究结果显示，数字反哺对老年人数字鸿沟具有显著的负向影响。此外，数字反哺在提升老年人数字技能方面存在着“马太效应”。

Abstract: The “silver” digital divide is a critical issue affecting the well-being of elderly individuals. This study focuses on the current state of the digital divide among residents aged 60 and above in Hangzhou, a “digital city.” Through field investigations, questionnaires, and interviews, 414 valid survey responses were collected. Using descriptive analysis, a Digital Assistance Index and a Digital Divide Index were constructed to reflect the digital skills of the elderly in Hangzhou. The study employs Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis to examine the role of digital assistance in bridging the digital divide among the elderly. Additionally, quantile regression is used to analyze the heterogeneous effects of digital assistance at different levels of the digital divide. The results indicate that digital assistance has a significant negative impact on the digital divide among the elderly. Moreover, there is a “Matthew Effect” in the enhancement of digital skills through digital assistance.