This study investigates the relationship between digital capital and happiness across 21 European countries, with a focus on understanding how this relationship varies according to national wealth. Digital capital, operationalized as a composite index comprising digital access, use, and skills, was analyzed in relation to self-reported happiness. The findings reveal significant disparities in digital capital across countries, with wealthier nations such as Norway and the Netherlands exhibiting higher levels, while less affluent nations like North Macedonia and Portugal report substantially lower levels. Consistent with our hypothesis, digital capital was found to have a significant positive effect on happiness, even after controlling for income, education, age, and gender. However, the strength of this relationship varied considerably between countries. The association was strongest in poorer countries, such as Bulgaria and Hungary, and weaker or even negative in wealthier countries, such as Switzerland and the Netherlands. Further analysis revealed that national wealth moderates the digital capital-happiness link, with a stronger relationship observed in less affluent nations. These findings suggest that digital technologies play a more transformative role in enhancing happiness where traditional opportunities are limited. The results underscore the need for tailored policy interventions to address disparities in digital capital. In poorer countries, efforts should focus on improving digital access, literacy, and affordability to maximize the well-being benefits of digital engagement. In wealthier nations, policies might target fostering meaningful digital use and mitigating diminishing returns.

Authors:
Atefeh Bagherianziarat, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Atefeh Bagherianziarat is currently a PhD candidate and a jounior researcher at Czech Academy of Sciences, Prage. She is currently working on the project "Excellent research in the field of digital technologies and wellbeing (DigiWELL).

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/atefeh-bagherianziarat/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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