Gender Differences in Preferences and Proclivities for ICT Tools and Online Services

Abstract

Gender essentialism is often used to excuse gender-based biases in the use of ICT tools and online services encouraging gender inequalities in opportunities for both males and females. This chapter aims at exploring ICT tools and online services currently being used by university students. The chapter investigates gender differences in preferences and proclivities for ICT tools and online services. Data collected from 618 university students were analyzed. The results show that males significantly differ in the use and preferences of ICT tools and devices (smart phones and tablets) from females. Conversely, females significantly differ in the use and preferences for online services (WhatsApp, text messaging, and library search engines) from males. The study also finds that smartphone and laptop computers are the most frequently used ICT tools and WhatsApp and Facebook are the most preferred online services. Gender studies in ICT to understand gender differences and proclivities are importance for policy direction towards an effort to bridge the gender gap.