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Impact of the Internet in Our Life

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Impact of the Internet in Our Life
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

Computers in Human Behavior
Computers in Human Behavior 24 (2008) 2005–2013 www.elsevier.com/locate/comphumbeh

Impact of the Internet on our lives: Male and female personal perspectives
Ann Colley *, John Maltby
School of Psychology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK Available online 30 October 2007

Abstract Gender differences in Internet access and usage have been found in a number of previous investigations. The study reported here extends this work by providing an analysis of the impact of the Internet on men’s and women’s lives. A content analysis of 200 postings from men and 200 from women, on the topic of ‘‘Has the Internet changed your life’’ invited by a news website, was undertaken then examined for gender differences. Results showed more women’s postings mentioned having made new friends or having met their partner, renewing old friendships, accessing information and advice, studying online, and shopping and booking travel online, while more men’s postings mentioned that the Internet had helped or given them a career, positive socio-political effects, and negative aspects of the technology. The results are interpreted as supporting the view that the Internet represents an extension of broader social roles and interests in the ‘‘offline’’ world. Ó 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Internet; Gender; Gender roles; Gender differences

1. Introduction ‘‘The Internet is my job, my high street, my supermarket and my international social playground’’ (Female participant 63). Usage of the Internet continues to increase worldwide. In the UK 57% of households now have access, in comparison to 46% four years ago (National Statistics, 2006). The
*

Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 (0) 116 229 7188; fax: +44 (0) 116 229 7196. E-mail address: aoc@le.ac.uk (A. Colley).

0747-5632/$ - see front matter Ó 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


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