Research into how women use the internet has been released courtesy of the Post Office following a survey conducted by Bounty (the baby brand, not the chocolate bar, in case you wondered).
Apparently modern motherhood is “as much characterised by social networks and online communities as traditional coffee mornings and conversations across the washing line”. The research also found that the average online mum chats to 24 online friends who’m they’ve never met and that a whopping 83% of mums use the internet. The big draw for many women has been the ability to talk about sensitive topics whilst staying – wait for it – anonymums.
“Online social networks and forums offer mums an anonymity that allows them to be candid and frank about the challenges of motherhood without fear of condemnation or embarrassment,” said Faye Mingo from parenting club Bounty. “Motherhood can be a daunting prospect and women have always been dependent on friends and family to provide a support network.
“Now we’re seeing these circles of influence grow as women share their problems and experiences with people in the same situation – from choosing baby names to coping with post-natal depression, women are finding additional support and advice thanks to the internet.”
Though I was ready to feel patronised by a survey like this, I actually wasn’t. I certainly feel that the internet is an absolute lifeline for many women, especially mothers, who can feel very isolated without the benefit of work colleagues and friends and family spread out, and too worn out or without babysitting for socialising. Plus, used wisely, the internet is such an excellent research tool (see what mums are searching for after the cut) and it works great as a time saving device for things like online grocery shopping and just to keep your mind stimulated. Kids are wonderful beings but they don’t exactly hold a riveting conversation and it’s hard to even concentrate on a face-to-face discussion when nipper is darting here and there.
Some of the research’s findings are after the cut…
Recent Comments