Exploring Web Usage and Selection Criteria Among Male and Female Students1

This study addresses three questions related to the evaluative criteria used by men and women to make judgments about Web pages. What are the major criteria used by students to evaluate Web sites? What are the different kinds of Web sites used by students? Is there a difference in Web site preference and use based on gender? Using a survey design with college students, we show that students tend to use Web sites that are clearly understandable, do not contain too many “bells and whistles,” and are relevant to their special interests and needs. Furthermore, significant gender differences emerge with respect to evaluative criteria and use patterns, with men liking some of the “bells and whistles” and women using academic Web sites more.

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