Does Gender Determine Internet Usage?

According to a study done by Pew Internet & American Life Project, your gender does determine not only what you do online, but how much you spend and where.

For quite a while, studies reported that men were the first and most eager to try out new technologies, as well as pursue more online activities, where women use the Internet to deepen personal relationships (such as e-mail and chat).

However, new reports show that men are more likely to check on news, sports, weather, download and listen to music, use a webcam and take an online class.  These reports also show that women will use the Internet to get maps and directions or find information on health and personal problems.

Spending Patterns

Although the total number of men online surpasses that of women, women have a larger role shopping online and spend more money doing it.

Mirroring offline patterns and trends, many e-commerce sites are geared towards women and designed with them in mind - largely because of the amount of time and money women are spending online.

Similarities Between Genders

Surprisingly or not, both men and women are feeling equally comfortable performing online transactions, whether in the form of online banking or bill-paying, buying tickets, etc.

Although these gender trends might seem obvious, experts from Pew Research are saying that gender roles online are likely to change and evolve as Internet usage in general becomes more sophisticated and commonplace.