How internet use has transformed educational expectations in Chinese families

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the impact of Internet use on educational expectations in Chinese families, utilizing social cognition theory and survey data from 2018. Our findings reveal that Internet use elevates parents’ educational aspirations for their children. Furthermore, we observed that the influence of the Internet on these expectations varies and is more pronounced for older children, male parents, and families in rural areas. Besides, only using the Internet for non-entertainment purposes can promote parents’ educational expectations of their children. Additionally, parents boost their children’s educational expectations through enhanced social interactions facilitated by the Internet. These insights comprehensively evaluate the Internet’s effect on individual perceptions and suggest strategies for promoting educational equity in the digital age.