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Gender Differences in Teens’ Digital Propensity and Perceptions and Preferences With Regard to Digital and Printed Text

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Abstract

Gender differences between the reading of digital and printed text were explored in this study. Predictors of digital propensity were investigated along with gender differences in the context of digital propensity and perceptions and preferences toward the reading of digital and printed text. Findings strengthened results reported in existing research while also contributing new information. Results revealed significant regression equations, showing that gender was a significant predictor of digital propensity, with males showing a stronger propensity for information and communication technology; the mean of males’ digital propensity was significantly higher than that of females. At the same time, the mean of females’ perceptions toward digital reading was overall higher than that of males, and in the context of digital reading preferences, females read online more for entertainment and learning purposes, and read more selectively, whereas males read digital text more for comprehension purposes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, South Korea

    Soonhwa Seok

  2. Solers Research Group, Orlando, FL, USA

    Boaventura DaCosta

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  1. Soonhwa Seok
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  2. Boaventura DaCosta
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Correspondence to Boaventura DaCosta.

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Seok, S., DaCosta, B. Gender Differences in Teens’ Digital Propensity and Perceptions and Preferences With Regard to Digital and Printed Text. TechTrends 61, 171–178 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0134-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0134-4

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