Internet usage and gender digital divide in a Romanian students' sample

Little data is available about East-European countries on Internet adoption and gender digital divide issues. Romania is a good case study given its past communist history and current developments, as well as Internet penetration. Students are the focus of the present research as they might provide the basis for further evolution trends. The results of a 275subject research questionnaire indicate a complex situation as regards Internet adoption and usage: the digital divide is present as regards knowledge, ability and experience. Based on the data, other indicators and demographic information are evaluated and discussed. Gender differences seem limited for general access, but are significant for aspects such as time spent on-line/per week and knowledge (p<0,01). An overall impression of the positive impact of Internet in various aspects of daily life is characteristic of the sample. Similarities and divergences with studies from different realities are discussed, indicating the qualitative differences of the divide.