How does digital governance platform usage impact social trust in rural Areas? Empirical evidence from rural China

Abstract

This study examines the impact of digital governance platform usage on social trust in rural China, focusing on the underlying mechanisms involved. Drawing on the theory of affordance actualization and trust theory, it develops an analytical framework of “platform usage → intermediate outcomes → social trust”. The study reveals that the governance and social functions of digital platforms promote rural social trust through four mediating mechanisms: information cognition, village affairs participation, external political efficacy, and villagers’ interaction. Using survey data from 2194 rural residents, the empirical analysis shows a significant positive association between digital governance platform usage and levels of rural social trust, with all four mediators playing significant intermediary roles in this relationship. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that the trust-enhancing effect of platform usage is more pronounced among disadvantaged groups and in less developed villages, highlighting the inclusive nature of digital governance platforms. Moreover, the use of village affairs WeChat groups is found to significantly promote social trust, whereas other types of digital platforms show no significant association. This study deepens the theoretical understanding of how ICT usage shapes social trust and provides actionable implications for leveraging digital governance platforms to strengthen social trust in rural governance practices.