Title: Explaining Online Behavioral Differences: An Internet Dependency Perspective
Abstract: Internet research has called for an examination of usage patterns of online users, as Internet users are not a homogeneous group. To better understand Internet users, this study focuses on the behavioral differences of Internet users from the standpoint of Internet dependency. Internet users were classified into dependent and non-dependent users to study their preferences in using several Internet features. Dependent users largely consisted of men, who were likely to use interactive features such as online games and chat rooms. This study shows that dependent users were not newcomers to the Internet. They were also more comfortable in searching for information online than non-dependent users. No significant difference was found between these two groups of users in using less interactive features such as email. Findings demonstrated that both groups of users were different in the way they used the Internet. Managerial implications and suggestions for web site design are provided.
Publication Year: 2001
Publication Date: 2001-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 34
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot