Why Girls Don't Like Gadgets

[Jenna_Ice]

It’s happened before: you show off your shiny new mobile device to your girlfriend or wife, and what does she give you in return? Her response ranges from a sigh of boredom to a belittling roll of the eyes. Ever wonder why most girls don’t like gadgets? Jenna offers an interesting explanation. <a href='http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1098'>Read on</a> for the latest installment of Reality Tech with Jenna!

[auramae]

I think a big piece of the puzzle is that there aren't enough "girls" involved in the development and testing of these products. I can't tell you how many times I have found a product completely unusable with my long fingernails, or how "pocketable" takes precedence over "purseable."

Even the color schemes are more manly than girlish. I was hoping when SPB released Mobile Shell 2 it would have some softer color choice for themes. Nope. Three different greens, though. Yee ha.

I have publicly begged to be used as a beta tester for WM7, but Redmond never calls me! I know that some of the geeks working on these items have to have girlfriends or sisters. Ask them to try out your toys before you put them to market. Barring that, perhaps they could go to the closest beauty salon and find some product testers there.

Show women how the device can simplify the things they already do and look stylish while they do it and they will buy your product.

[bluetoof]

OMG I could never put a cell phone in my mouth.

[GenghisKhent]

Not fair. Making me laugh while drinking my wake-up morning coffee.

It's interesting to get a female perspective on why girls don't like gadgets. My wife won't explain. She's a professor of computer science at a community college. She loves programming and is very good at it. But she is disinterested in gadgets. And she tries to pawn off on me every hardware or operating system issue she has with her computers. It's not that she can't do it. Rather, she has an aversion to it.

But even though I'm a guy, I'm not so into gadgets. And to answer the question at the end of your article, I don't need to take a bath today because I just installed an iBath application on my iPhone.

[Jenna_Ice]

I think a big piece of the puzzle is that there aren't enough "girls" involved in the development and testing of these products. I can't tell you how many times I have found a product completely unusable with my long fingernails, or how "pocketable" takes precedence over "purseable."

Even the color schemes are more manly than girlish. I was hoping when SPB released Mobile Shell 2 it would have some softer color choice for themes. Nope. Three different greens, though. Yee ha.

I have publicly begged to be used as a beta tester for WM7, but Redmond never calls me! I know that some of the geeks working on these items have to have girlfriends or sisters. Ask them to try out your toys before you put them to market. Barring that, perhaps they could go to the closest beauty salon and find some product testers there.

Show women how the device can simplify the things they already do and look stylish while they do it and they will buy your product.

I 100% agree with you! It's almost like these people in charge of development have absolutely no clue on who spends the most money. Women do! To top it off, no one ever spends enough money advertising for the female market. I mean, I usually send my devices out to get crystallized and girlified, but wouldn't it be nice if you and I didn't have to?

[kanzlr]

some good points, but also some that make me go through the roof.

I would advise you to read a book by Nancy Fraser or Judith Butler (if you haven't done so yet). Be assured that the money is better spent on these then on "girlifiying" something.

at least try to seperate gender specific, socialized behaviours and preferences from biology. that opinions like these still exist outside of conservative backwards oriented circles is beyond me.

you wan't to know why girls don't like gadgets? because they are not educated to do so. and i don't mean education in regular school terms or something, but in terms of socialization and expectations. you point that out once or twice already.

we are just built that way!
thinking that way is not only foolish but dangerous. you are programmed that way.
you had it right in the next paragraph, but never ever think that biology has anything to do with it besides what we are trained to be.

and actually, it works both ways. the reason why girls think that emancipation means to be like men is just another example. men where always the norm, while women where different to that norm.

your article has a few very good points. but somehow i think the conclusion is not what it should be. it is not the toys that should adhere to the female gender role proposed. the role model has to be destroyed. and i don't mean that literaly.

[Jaime Rivera]

some good points, but also some that make me go through the roof.

I would advise you to read a book by Nancy Fraser or Judith Butler (if you haven't done so yet). Be assured that the money is better spent on these then on "girlifiying" something.

at least try to seperate gender specific, socialized behaviours and preferences from biology. that opinions like these still exist outside of conservative backwards oriented circles is beyond me.

you wan't to know why girls don't like gadgets? because they are not educated to do so. and i don't mean education in regular school terms or something, but in terms of socialization and expectations. you point that out once or twice already.


thinking that way is not only foolish but dangerous. you are programmed that way.
you had it right in the next paragraph, but never ever think that biology has anything to do with it besides what we are trained to be.

and actually, it works both ways. the reason why girls think that emancipation means to be like men is just another example. men where always the norm, while women where different to that norm.

your article has a few very good points. but somehow i think the conclusion is not what it should be. it is not the toys that should adhere to the female gender role proposed. the role model has to be destroyed. and i don't mean that literaly.

Hmm.. given this is a current social standard we're talking about, meaning gadgets weren't that very common in the 80's to have this trend be noticed, what is your personal opinion on the subject?

Why would you consider gadgets to be more of interest to men than to women? And I mean any gadget that can be used by both men and women. Why is it that a girl and I could drive the same car, sporting the same color, but I fall for the 18 inch wheels more than she does? Why is it common that even though the girl and I could be using the same HTC Touch, mine is already loaded with tons of software and her's isn't and she's ok with it that way?

[adamz]

Reminds me of that Family Guy episode where they're watching TV and Lois says, "I guarantee a man made that commercial."
And Peter says, "Of course a man made it. It's a commercial, not a tasty Thanksgiving dinner!"

How offensive is that?

I know lots of women with Windows Mobile devices. I had to teach some of them to use the more poorly-designed unlabeled-icon parts though. "What's the thing with the letter and an arrow?" "It's got a line with a circle on it and curvy lines coming out. What's that do?"
One now has TimeTTracker (http://www.rfcons.com/index.php?id=47) doing time billing and expense tracking on her phone with super-sexy SQL Server CE and .NET CF. Awe Yeah!

[Junkiecam]

some good points, but also some that make me go through the roof.

I would advise you to read a book by Nancy Fraser or Judith Butler (if you haven't done so yet). Be assured that the money is better spent on these then on "girlifiying" something.

at least try to seperate gender specific, socialized behaviours and preferences from biology. that opinions like these still exist outside of conservative backwards oriented circles is beyond me.

you wan't to know why girls don't like gadgets? because they are not educated to do so. and i don't mean education in regular school terms or something, but in terms of socialization and expectations. you point that out once or twice already.


thinking that way is not only foolish but dangerous. you are programmed that way.
you had it right in the next paragraph, but never ever think that biology has anything to do with it besides what we are trained to be.

and actually, it works both ways. the reason why girls think that emancipation means to be like men is just another example. men where always the norm, while women where different to that norm.

your article has a few very good points. but somehow i think the conclusion is not what it should be. it is not the toys that should adhere to the female gender role proposed. the role model has to be destroyed. and i don't mean that literaly.


Lambasting someone over a thoughtfully genuine attemp to explain something is neither productive nor helpful in any way. I don't know what article you read, but what I saw was an amazing article from an incredibly empowered, independent woman who understands the subtle unfortunate nature of society (never saw any biology issues), yet proves to be a beautiful force to be reckoned with. All the while embracing her femininity and celebrating it.

This isnt foolish nor dangerous. Foolish is thinking in the extreme feministic view that women are not educated. Dangerous is proposing to destroy the role models.

[adamz]

it is not the toys that should adhere to the female gender role proposed. the role model has to be destroyed. and i don't mean that literaly.

You're talking about promoting gender equality, right? Not discriminating between genders by separating them into specific roles... and not pressuring women or men into their traditional roles, but perhaps instead letting them choose on their own.

I wonder if there is a genetic predisposition for gender behavioral conventions to tend towards the masculine or feminine sides of the spectrum... or are those roles/behaviors/desires completely learned via society? I'm thinking the former must have something to do with it, no? What if we wrap all babies in neutral grey blankets?

[Jaime Rivera]

You're talking about promoting gender equality, right? Not discriminating between genders by separating them into specific roles... and not pressuring women or men into their traditional roles, but perhaps instead letting them choose on their own.

I wonder if there is a genetic predisposition for gender behavioral conventions to tend towards the masculine or feminine sides of the spectrum... or are those roles/behaviors/desires completely learned via society? I'm thinking the former must have something to do with it, no? What if we wrap all babies in neutral grey blankets?

I consider it to be a merger of both but depending on the phase you're on.

While we were kids, it was all a learned via society thing until hormones kicked in at our teens. My baby sister (8) loves to play with my Q9h just as much as my son (8) does. They can both play soccer without caring, but I'd obviously feel worried if I saw him play with a doll anytime:eek:. Kids care less about their differences in gender until we become concious of our differences at our teens.

As a teen example, my teen sister (13) doesn't even care about my devices as much as how she's dressed, which is totally aside from my teen brother (19) who drools for one. She wouldn't dare play soccer, nor does he care about her soaps.

So once hormones kick in, our instincts begin to do the talking. But honestly, I feel this has only partly to do with insticts. They drive our preferences, but "can" be influenced. What made the HTC Touch be as appealing to women as it is to men? I'd say it's as simple as how HTC chose to market it and design it. Gender preferences are really strived by how these are exposed to the public, and how these can fit into the needs of the public.

[Vilent77]

I speak for a lot of guys out there who are confused about the way their wives and girlfriends act. This has been a real eye opener. It's hard enough for us guys to keep the women satisfied, much less understand why things are the way they are. We don't read a lot of womens magazines and blogs. Its refreshing to come to a tech site, just looking for info on gadgets getting a life altering bonus! Thank you for sharing this rare insight from a female perspective.

-Cory

[Al-Cid Margrace]

I do understand the meaning behind the truth, but with that being said. I do think that we as humans have been force fed the Ideals from our parents and their parents and so on. A good friend of mine was an only child and she was daddy's little girl. So she was taught and shown certain things e.g. sports, cars and cool gadgets. She is just one of the few women that do get it. But I do also understand that women do not care for all the programs that are packed in or down-loadable for their devices. What I get from them is that form is a little bit higher percent than function. But as I have seen through time and time again is the manufactures answer to straddle both markets is to make one or all of their products in a neon pink.. or a lime green... I get a chuckle every time I think some big corporate executive says "we will boost our sales and break new grounds in the female market we'll make one pink" Yes pink is OK for some people but I find it a bit 80's... And yes I know I'm going to catch flack for this but what the hey... If the manufactures of certain gadgets make a better looking product they would sell more to everyone, just like the iPod. The colors are plenty and not overbearing they have a pearlescent look to the colors. I get that people want their devices to be personalized and yes it's kinda cool that some people do it on their own. Like with Jenna's Swarovski crystal covered phone it's cool looking and I know that it would appeal to other women like auramae stated "Show women how the device can simplify the things they already do and look stylish while they do it and they will buy your product." If we change a little bit to include everyone in a marketing plan than everyone would be on the same page and life would be a bit better. Instead of being soooo gender specific, they should have more women on the board. Because as I see it manufactures are loosing money from the products that they create, to other vendors to shnaz up that product... If companies start looking into the design and style more they would reach more people. Just like one of Jenna's phones "Sprint Mogul" <p><a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/lothor69/action=view&current=img16_small.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/lothor69/img16_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/lothor69/action=view&current=img12_small.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/lothor69/img12_small.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p>
Now just think of how much money sprint just lost to this company....
It's still a sweet phone...

[CentralCritic]

the notion that females do not like gadgets is because they are not educated enough is absurd. women of today are more independent and educated. they have access to a lot more things than most men. they are central to the economy. radical feminists tote their superiority yet they put down women in doing so. this article illustrates that women of today can be just as great if not more powerful than men. it also illustrates that women do not have to be like men to enjoy technology. they dont have to. they have their own interests, like men have their own interests. being educated to like gadgets is not necessary for a woman because she just happens to be more concerned about things that actually matter to her. like life and taking care of people she cares about. so if she happens to "girlify" her gadgets, so be it. whats the problem with celebrating ones femininity. i thought feminists were all about that.

[Lianne]

I wouldnt call myself a feminist but I as a woman and a mother of two, I can definitely see all your points of view. Maybe it is a genetic predisposition but I am a firm believer that society and family has more to do with how we all turn out.

One of you mentioned being worried if your son ever played with dolls. My question to you is. Why?

Another suggested wrapping all babies in gray. I am assuming of course you are talking metaphorically. Interesting concept for a social experiment. What if we didn't impose spectral guidelines on our children. What if everyone was encouraged to play with dolls and action figures. What if we didn't discourage our kids from acting like and being interested in opposite gender?

I appreciate this article though. My compliments to the writer for putting out such fun and informative information. This is a columnist I can really get into.

[Junkiecam]

[QUOTE=Jaime Rivera;76846]While we were kids, it was all a learned via society thing until hormones kicked in at our teens. My baby sister (8) loves to play with my Q9h just as much as my son (8) does. They can both play soccer without caring, but I'd obviously feel worried if I saw him play with a doll anytime:eek:[QUOTE]

That is an interesting quote, and one that begs explanation, if you would be so kind to do so. Why would you be worried about your son playing with a doll?

[FDan]

Interesting thoughts. but it seems as though its social norms and teachings. You can do your best to show your children or your friends. But simply something don't interest other. I wouldn't exactly consider it born into them. As for promoting materials to both genders, it is possible. Sony took that stand recently on their television line. The were focusing on the technical aspects for the men while trying to do display the beautiful and almost the art form of the tvs to women.

[Yoshi]

Well I do sorta agree with Jenna on this, "me having a 10 & 12 year old girls". My wife and I were going crazy just to find the "pink" & "purple" Razr phones because they liked the colors and not what it can do. I my self have a silver one "i got a deal for buying 3" But my wife has one of those PDA things that I'm still trying to figure out... My girls on the other hand just wanted a phone that they can text on and still look cool. After about a week or so my oldest came home with her phone and it had lights and rhinestones or something on it. Then my youngest now wants the "gold" dolche one instead of the pink one.... Ugh! What am I to do... Well as my lovely wife stated that "girls will be girls". Girling up stuff it's OK I am now getting use to it and I try to help as much as I can. But if they ever see Jenna's phone I'm a dead man... "yes my wife would kill me" So please Jenna don't show them anything. Well thanks for another insightful read.



Yoshi,

[Brandon Miniman]

[QUOTE=Jaime Rivera;76846]While we were kids, it was all a learned via society thing until hormones kicked in at our teens. My baby sister (8) loves to play with my Q9h just as much as my son (8) does. They can both play soccer without caring, but I'd obviously feel worried if I saw him play with a doll anytime:eek:[QUOTE]

That is an interesting quote, and one that begs explanation, if you would be so kind to do so. Why would you be worried about your son playing with a doll?

I'd experience the same feeling of worry if I saw my son playing with a doll. And to be fair, it's a bit silly that it has to be this way. Somewhere it is written (and trust me, I'm still looking) that girls play with dolls, guys play with action figures. And what's odd is that they're quite similar - the doll is a miniature person, while the action figure is miniature fictional character.

Perhaps it has something to do with roles. Little girls play with dolls because they enjoy emulating their mother who takes care of the children in the house. Yes, it's a very old-school way of thinking that still hasn't been undone in our culture. I'd imagine that not too long ago, perhaps in the day of our grandparents, the woman were the purveyors of the household, while the men providing protection and provided the household with resources.

It would then make sense for the baby girls to play with dolls...thus pretending to be a mother (and in a sense, getting "ready" to play the role of her mother), while the guy played with action figures or chopped firewood...thus getting ready to be the father.

[Jaime Rivera]

[QUOTE=Jaime Rivera;76846]While we were kids, it was all a learned via society thing until hormones kicked in at our teens. My baby sister (8) loves to play with my Q9h just as much as my son (8) does. They can both play soccer without caring, but I'd obviously feel worried if I saw him play with a doll anytime:eek:[QUOTE]

That is an interesting quote, and one that begs explanation, if you would be so kind to do so. Why would you be worried about your son playing with a doll?

These are all social paradigns that have existed for centuries. Even though hormones do the talking in our teens, social rolls and correct behavior are learned before a kid turns six.

Hmm.. I think I understand your concern. I enforce my roll as a father in guiding my son into what our social standards defice as correct behavior for his gender, and that would include knowing that dolls aren't intended for him... which would probably leave you with the concern that my behavior as a parent is what begins the social trend of girls not liking gadgets...

I think it could have something to do with it, though I've never taught my little sister that gadgets are for boys... nor have I seen any parent do so.

It could have lots to do with her not seeing her mother with gadgets... or it could have to do with Nintendo not building very many games for girls back in the old days.. Which erupts the question of why manufacturers follow this trend?

[Jenna_Ice]

Well I do sorta agree with Jenna on this, "me having a 10 & 12 year old girls". My wife and I were going crazy just to find the "pink" & "purple" Razr phones because they liked the colors and not what it can do. I my self have a silver one "i got a deal for buying 3" But my wife has one of those PDA things that I'm still trying to figure out... My girls on the other hand just wanted a phone that they can text on and still look cool. After about a week or so my oldest came home with her phone and it had lights and rhinestones or something on it. Then my youngest now wants the "gold" dolche one instead of the pink one.... Ugh! What am I to do... Well as my lovely wife stated that "girls will be girls". Girling up stuff it's OK I am now getting use to it and I try to help as much as I can. But if they ever see Jenna's phone I'm a dead man... "yes my wife would kill me" So please Jenna don't show them anything. Well thanks for another insightful read.



Yoshi,

Being a father has to be the most amazing thing in your life. Congratulations! It's funny, you had me laughing the way you were trying to cater to your little girls. If anything, you're that guy who is the embodiment of a true hero. A doting father, a respectful husband. A strong man whos weakness is a daughters pouty face and whos fear is a wifes wrath. lol. If I may say so though, try getting them to be more responsible for their phones. It's one thing to replace phones because they broke but its also important to teach them the value of a dollar. In the meantime, I agree with you. Don't show them any crystallized phones!

[Belladonna]

What a beath of fresh air this writer. I think it just depends on what gadgets you talk about. Most girls seem to like iphones, ipods and such. There are laptops out there that provide looks for females. My dell comes in pink which I like a lot. I think girls have lots of choices now. Just because what we are interested in isnt as "advanced" as what guys like doesnt mean its inferior. We just know what works and we dont need to worry ourselfs with finding more ways to take care of a problem. I have an iphone. I think it works pretty well. Some may laugh but I dont care. I have to run around after kids all day. I think I'm doing good. LOL.

[Mr. Anthony]

Thank God, I'm not that guy in the picture. Men are fascinated by these new toys. I agree. Gadgetry. I beg the differ though when you say that women are not into gadgets or electronics, maybe your an exception to the rule? Maybe. They might not like the new HTC Mogul decked in thousands of tiny sparkling Swaroski crystals. But, statistics and countless articles prove that women cling to gadgets just like men, but their fettish is towards different or p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r types of gadgets............imagination.
Then you went home and you thought about it, ha. Took you one of those sparkling grapefruit bubble baths with Dead Sea salts and promegranate extracts. Hmmm. Then the water filled up the tub, it started to turn a faint shade of pink. Sweet, soft, smooth, sexy, girly..PINK! I always wanted to see what girly pink looks like.
Jenna Marie, I see that your a very liberal person and I respect that. There is too much liberalism today, though. There is nothing wrong with role reversal as long as it's a role. God made male and female, he made us distinctly different. We are so liberal today that you can't tell the difference from a man or a woman. No matter how you feel we were made different, that's the beauty of opposites. It's nothing wrong with a man doing some things a woman do but a line should be drawn and vice versus, if not, were getting away from what God intended. Because no line is drawn today between the role of a man or a woman, we see a rise in homosexuality and lebianism and the sad part is they see this as natural behavior. I agree with Brandon I'll never teach my sons to play with dolls.., Oh and I haven't had a bath today? I take showers. Just like a man. Ha,Ha,

[Jenna_Ice]

Thank God, I'm not that guy in the picture. Men are fascinated by these new toys. I agree. Gadgetry. I beg the differ though when you say that women are not into gadgets or electronics, maybe your an exception to the rule? Maybe. They might not like the new HTC Mogul decked in thousands of tiny sparkling Swaroski crystals. But, statistics and countless articles prove that women cling to gadgets just like men, but their fettish is towards different or p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r types of gadgets............imagination.
Then you went home and you thought about it, ha. Took you one of those sparkling grapefruit bubble baths with Dead Sea salts and promegranate extracts. Hmmm. Then the water filled up the tub, it started to turn a faint shade of pink. Sweet, soft, smooth, sexy, girly..PINK! I always wanted to see what girly pink looks like.
Jenna Marie, I see that your a very liberal person and I respect that. There is too much liberalism today, though. There is nothing wrong with role reversal as long as it's a role. God made male and female, he made us distinctly different. We are so liberal today that you can't tell the difference from a man or a woman. No matter how you feel we were made different, that's the beauty of opposites. It's nothing wrong with a man doing some things a woman do but a line should be drawn and vice versus, if not, were getting away from what God intended. Because no line is drawn today between the role of a man or a woman, we see a rise in homosexuality and lebianism and the sad part is they see this as natural behavior. I agree with Brandon I'll never teach my sons to play with dolls.., Oh and I haven't had a bath today? I take showers. Just like a man. Ha,Ha,

Thank you for your insight and opinion Mr. Anthony. That's exactly what this article was written for. Not so people could just look at it and say "cool" but so they can form their own opinions and voice them, regardless of whether they are politically right or wrong. There are a lot of things you said that I happen to disagree on, as I am sure a lot of people would. In fact, I don't even know where to start. Instead, I will say this. The beauty of discussion is that it pushes you to think and get involved. All I have to say is that respect, tolerance, and unconditional love are some qualities our world is severely in more need of. Also, everyone's entitled to their opinions. So thank you for yours.

[KMcAllister]

This is in response to the post from a Mr. Anthony.

Mr. Anthony, this is the kind of backward thinking that is dangerous to our society. Too much liberalism? How is a woman who likes gadgets and succeeds in life being too liberal? You are basically saying that its ok for the sexes to foray into each others arena but that it is not ok to fully assume ones "traditional responsibilities"....So basically, you think its ok for women to go out into the workforce just to try it. But in the end of the day, they belong in the home right? You also mention homosexuality as being wrong. If you are the righteous man you seem to claim you are, what do you think judging others and looking down on them is? It is backwards, foolish and dangerous to pass judgement on people for any reason (skin color, class, sexual preferences, race and disability). Prejudice of any kind is the reason why there is so much hate and violence in society. If we taught our kids tolerance and respect, to accept what makes us unique and embrace it, we would all have a more harmonious world regardless of our differences. Shame on you.

On a different note, this article is very thought provoking. Never knew a site like this would have such provocative content. I am proud of this writer. Not just saying that as a woman either.

[oliverxlicious]

Nicely written article, however you certainly don't know the Orange County area of SoCal or else you wouldn't be saying girls are not interested in gadgets. There are plenty of females here who are craving for the latest Sidekicks or Blackberrys & IPhones. Craving for the Prada and what not. The girls in high school are crazy for the latest gadgets involving PDA/phones while the guys...are into football and guy stuff. Interesting eh?

[mvb]

Hi, I need to post my opinion.
I'm a mother of two girl and i mean real girls who like pink and so. But I do not like or dislike pink. I like new things, like a SE X1. I will search for everything that I can read or see and what the device can do. I have noticed that I'm in my work the only one who knows how things work. I'm not the girl who needs a guy to make things. I can do it myself. for example the copying machine (i hope i spell it ok, i'm not english but dutch.) I can repare little things myself and as a primary teacher is that very special. But I like that, independed look. My husband thinks it's handy, he'll knows what I can do or not.
But what I know is that most woman don't want to know how things are made (just like the program on discovery) or work. When I was little I watched all the episodes of Macgyver. Just to see how handy the man was.
Most woman don't go for the trouble to learn something handy, they trust the boys around them. They do it for her!

[Jaime Rivera]

I guess we are so different and so much a like in some cases. It makes a man feel good to feel handy so I do understand the strategy behind it.

Follow our review (http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1107) on the X1 and think about it. It is a great device!

[mvb]

Thanks for your reply. You're also right. I watch often the youtube videos with all the X1 specs. I love the device but I have to wait (it this right, i don't know how to spell it??) Perhaps in Januari or else in March. I joint this forum for the X1 reviews! They are just perfect, thanks to mr. Miniman.
Best regards