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Description:
This is a chapter from a 1997 publication by Anita F. Colyer on the role of gender in cyber-interactions. Analysis of user interactions on the Cinema-L list reveals that some aspects of gendered communication styles have been carried over to the 'new frontier' of Cyberspace. Cultural messages related to women's uses of 'gender-appropriate' technologies, coupled with the unique challenges of the environment's dynamics, can influence women users' comfort and participation level in online discussions. In spite of these factors, data from April 1993 and April 1996 document a significant increase in the level of participation by female members on the Cinema-L list. This chapter analyzes those comparative data and explores possible reasons for the gender shift. Issues related to gendered communication in public vs. private forums--and the impact of those variables on females' online activities--are also addressed. This resource is appropriate for all users, particularly for girls and women, because it addresses concerns relating to gender-bias and/or discrimination and was written/developed by a woman. |
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| Date Last Modified: |
2005-10-06 13:05:01 (W3C-DTF) |
| Instructional Method: |
Articles, readings, and reports
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