|
1.
Gender asymmetry in the adoption of Internet and e-commerce
Authors:
Ruby Roy Dholakia and Nir Kshetri
Abstract:
The gender asymmetry in the adoption and use of the Internet
has been steadily declining as more and more women sign
on to use the Internet. Some statistics suggest that the
gender asymmetry may even be reversing, particularly in
the United States, where more women than men are accessing
the Internet and the ratio of female users is expected to
reach 60:40 by 2002. This paper describes gender asymmetry
at three levels - international, national and household
- using data from a variety of sources. The width and depth
of technology adoption are used to analyze gender asymmetry
more intensively. The analysis finds different degrees of
asymmetry as well as different rates of change in the asymmetry.
Gender role is used as the major explanation for the observed
patterns. Future changes in the adoption and use of Internet
and E-Commerce will be influenced by changes in gender roles.
|
|
2.
Seniors
and the Internet: Consuming Technology to Enhance Life and
Family Involvement
Authors:
Mary C. Gilly, Hope Schau, Mary Wolfinbarger
Abstract:
While seniors are increasingly adopting computers and the
Internet, they face unique barriers to usage. Most did not
use computers in their workplace before retirement and many
have physical limitations that make computers and the internet
harder to learn and use. Yet, seniors who do adopt are enthusiastic.
We find that these seniors express strong openness to learning,
are willing to look foolish and to be slow while they are
learning, and strongly desire patient and knowledgeable
teachers and mentors. Bricolage or play is important in
learning, and they often maintain written lists and instructions
to help them remember websites and procedures. Interestingly,
the most frequently mentioned reason for adoption was to
maintain cultural currency.
|
