Gender and Chat Forums

Abstract

Within the last decade, the Internet has become one of the fastest growing technologies. According to research conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, nearly 60% of the United States (U.S.) population is now online, with variation based on race, age, education, region and income (Spooner, 2003). Despite the persistent discrepancies in access, Internet usage among the U.S. population is steadily increasing, up by 9% since 2000. Throughout the 1990s, well-educated white men primarily populated the Internet; however, this situation has changed in the last 5 years. As of 2000, women made up 50% of Internet users and “Hispanics [were] just as likely to be online as whites, and African Americans are coming online at accelerating rates” (Horrigan, 2000, p. 2). Overall, the Pew study found that activities such as e-mail (and other online communication forums); online shopping; Web surfing; connectivity with family and friends; hobbies; news; and information are popular online uses. Through the Pew Institute’s many studies, it is clear the Internet is a key aspect of social life in U.S. culture.