A Modest Construct

Goodness knows technology is already ripe with gender issues. Why, for instance, did the percentage of women in computer science peak in 1985? Why are females still notably absent from the internet geek culture?

I’m not sure how to answer the first question (beyond the customary “Women are steered toward other professions” argument), but it’s beginning to look like female buy-in to the internet geek culture may very well have to do with fundamental gender differences, at least in terms of intent.

“Once you get past the commonalities, men tend to be attracted to online activities that are far more action-oriented, while women tend to value things involving relationships or human connections,” said Deborah Fallows, a research fellow at Pew and author of the report.

[...] But women are catching up in several areas measured by the survey, and intensive use by younger women suggests some of the gaps will continue to narrow.

It’s an interesting proposition. When you consider that most of the key players in the evolution of the internet thus far have been male (remember that number of females in computer science was well into its decline by the time the internet was taking off in the early 90s), it’s no surprise that traditional uses of the internet have been action-oriented (learn things, buy things, masturbate). But if you look at recent trends in the internet, it’s obvious that the two top trends—blogging and social networking— are areas apparently used more often by females than males.

The transformation of the internet from a mere tool into an arbitrator and communicator is, I think, going to change the internet demographic considerably… over maybe just widen the divide.