Gender Differences in E-mail and Instant Messaging by Undergraduate Students: A Replication Study

This replication study examines gender differences concerning the use and usefulness of e-mail and instant messaging. The sample for this quantitative study is composed of undergraduate students of Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. The rationale for this sample population is due to the increasing number of young adults using e-mail and instant messaging (Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2007). The survey collects information on use and perceived usefulness of using e-mail and instant messaging with people who are geographically close (inside the city) and people who are geographically distant (outside the city). The current study examines if such changes in gender differences in use and usefulness of e-mail and instant messaging result.