PONE-D-23-07656Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages: evidence from ChinaPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Maishou Li

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages:

evidence from China

Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages - evidence from China is interesting contribution.

I find the papers unique data set and sound methodology very impressive and economically logical. The authors have very succinctly modelled the available data and taken due considerations on various empirical issues.

However, I would like to rise some point that author would like to consider.

1. In the introduction section- the authors need to develop the theoretical/conceptual link between internet use and wages and need for this study. I know authors did talk on this in the second paragraph but in my view it’s not enough. Adding more insights on this will not only make a strong theoretical background of the paper but also give justification for need to undertake this kind of analysis.

2. On page 10 - interpretation of results. Check on the interpretation of variable gender. Was the wage variable in logs?

3. The authors also claim that there is gender wage discrimination based on the estimated coefficient of 0.397. I do not think you can claim such statements. Because differential of 39.7% could be due to gender related or factors associated with gender that you may have not controlled for in the regression. For instance, being male may be correlated with other productivity characteristics that have not being controlled for.

4. On page 11 – on family size. Authors justify negative impact of family size using ‘Many minor children’. Families in China can only have 2 kids which is normal with respect to replacement level of fertility so justifying this a lot is does not augur well with China’s child policy.

5. Avoid using ‘Seen from…” all the time to begin your sentences.

Reviewer #2: 1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The paper is well written and it is faithful to the hypotheses. The data has been sourced from a valid provider and sampled appropriately. The authors need to state the motivation for conducting the following research in the introduction section alongisde the hypothesis. Additionally, authors are recommended to ouline the major findings in the introduction for the readers.

2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

All the analysis and tests have been carried out to establish the research hypothesis.

3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

All the required findings are made available in the findings section. Authors are recommended to make the data available for replication.

4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

The manuscript is well presented and clearly written.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Impact of the internet use on informal workers’ wages: evidence from China

PONE-D-23-07656R1

Dear Dr. Maishou Li

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Baljeet Singh, Phd

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE