Assessing the Digital Divide: Computer Games and Turkish Female Adolescents

• In Event: Challenges, Opportunities, and Impacts of the Digital Divide: Why Content and Context Matter

Abstract

Computer games can positively influence adolescents’ cognitive skills. However the digital divide (Van Dijk & Hacker, 1999) inhibits females to benefit from computer games. This study examines gender differences in computer and computer game access, and the effects of material, mental, skills and usage access on cognitive skills. Data were collected from 992 Turkish middle school students. Preliminary results showed significant gender differences in access to computers and computer games. Implications of results in the Turkish context are discussed.

Authors

• Zeynep Tanes, Purdue University

• Ee Ling Jasmine Tan, Purdue University