Deborah Tannen takes for granted, in the essay "Gender Gap in Cyberspace," that such a gap exists, but I must ask: Is there really a gender gap in cyberspace? I am on the computer a lot, and while in chatrooms I write all sorts of people. I know that there are just as many men as women in chatrooms and in discussion groups. Now, I will never know for sure who is behind the other screen, so I am led to believe what the person I am talking to tells me is true. When computers were first coming into the home, I bet there was a gender gap and that men wanted to be the first to test out the technology. Plus, in that time women wanted to do more in the work force, which also threatened men. So, I agree that there was a time when there was a gender gap regarding every aspect of computers; however, I would argue that those days are long gone.

I look at society today and see an equal if not greater amount of women, as compared to the number of men, going into computer classes and wanting to do more with computers. Everybody is equal on the Internet. I think the only people who don't consider themselves equal are those who don't want to speak up in chatrooms or who are new to the whole Internet experience. But, once people get used to communicating on the Internet, they start to feel more comfortable. Being on the Internet is just like other aspects of life; we have to crawl before we can walk. Tannen makes a great point about the difference between men and women when it comes to computers: "Women want one thing from a computer--[for it] to work." Men, on the other hand, want the fastest computer with the most memory.

When it comes to speaking out on the Internet, I find it easier to open up to others around me. The Internet provides people like me with a sense of security. If I don't like the way a conversation is going, I can leave the chatroom I am in. This comfort and freedom should apply to both sexes. I am aware that most women would rather have a face-to-face conversation with someone, while most men find it easier to open up when there is a barrier in the way. Personally, I believe that privacy allows everyone to feel free and comfortable. The Internet also offers users an escape from reality. We can be whomever we want on the Internet. If people think they are fat or ugly--well, on the Internet they are skinny and look great.

Is there really a gender gap with computer technology and the Internet? I don't think there is; I believe that men will always want things that are fast and powerful and that women will want something that works. There will always be certain men who don't care about the speed and power, just as there will be some women who do care. The gender gap in America only lasts a short period of time anyway. Women want to get involved in more things, and, while men resist women for a little while, ninety percent of the time women win the battle.

Tannen, Deborah. "Gender Gap in cyberspace." CyberReader. 2nd ed. Ed. Victor J. Vitanza. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1999. 184-186.