Gender Differences between Male and Female Users of the Nintendo Wii - Essay Example

Using a purposive sample of 107 Nintendo Wii gamers, the present study suggests that males are more likely to be attracted to using or playing the Wii than their female counterparts, as attested to by their higher ratings on beliefs, and subjective norms, and behavioral intentions. They concurred only on one subscale, which is perceived behavioral control, suggesting agreement that there is adequate control on excessive use of the Nintendo Wii. On the Theory of Reasoned Action, it was found that males tended to give higher ratings on the beliefs, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions that are related to the use of the Nintendo Wii. . Students’ gender differences in their response to technology use have been identified and explained by many researchers who have had varying results in their studies.

For instance, in a study by Vasil, Hesketh, and Podd (1987), it was found that females do not prefer being involved in technological activities and that they are less participative in technology-related events compared to males. Gender differences have also been evident in the use of the Internet and the computer in general as findings of Shashaani (1997) showed how boys take more interest in computers compared to girls. Nonetheless, Internet usage has become common not just among males but among females as well.

Computer games, meanwhile, have been obtaining a great deal of attention than in previous years as a source of pleasure and enjoyment among young individuals. The gaming industry along with well-accepted media has recognized the usage and play of women when it comes to digital games (Beasley and Standley 2002). The increasing popularity of video games and the improved sales of game titles may point out that members of the female population have taken part in the expanding gaming audience. Previous research about females and their associations with video games has mainly been divided into two main areas- the assessment of female representations in video games (Heintz-Knowles and Henderson 2002), and the surveys or interviews conducted among female players about their interests, level of play, and overall thoughts about video games and the gaming culture in general (Yates and Littleton 2001).

Several studies on virtual games suggest that gender differences in the use of computer games are dependent on the games’ content as well as individual attitudes toward computer usage.