Gender and generational differences in the use of computer-mediated communications in households

Currently, over 21% of American households have access to Computer-mediated Communications (CMC), providing members of these households with additional avenues for entertainment, information and interactive communication from the private space of their homes. This paper examines the gender and generational differences in the patterns of CMC use in the shared space of households, Data was gathered from 84 families where two or more persons use online media. Results indicate significant differences in CMC use along gender and generational lines. Though no significant difference was found in proficiency levels, men were found to be heavier users of online media than women, Similarly children were found to be heavier users than adults. Further, men were found to use the technology more frequently as a communication medium compared to women who used the technology to download online resources and access information.