“In previous research we found no gender differences in the use of the
internet for communication, whereas in the current study we found gender
differences in communication and that females were using social network
sites more than males.”

The research also found that the average age students started using the
internet was 11 years old and they spend approximately three hours a day
online.

Dr Joiner added: “Gender differences in the use of the internet are more a
reflection of gender differences in wider society. It is important to
continue to investigate these differences because of the importance of the
Internet in virtually every aspect of our lives and the erroneous assumption
that all young people have similar and high level of technology ability and
experience.”