According to a study released by female-targeted US cable network Oxygen, 77 percent of women would prefer a new plasma TV to a diamond solitaire necklace.
The study shows that a full 79 percent of the female market is interested in and using technology, breaking the myth that the only women interested in technology are urban trendsetters.
Technology is closing the gender gap, with men and women becoming digital peers. Both genders own a similar number of devices, with women owning 6.6 devices and men owning 6.9 devices. A similar number of devices are also used weekly by women (4.4 devices) and men (4.9 devices).
Women are comfortable with technology and are not afraid of it, the study found. Around 79 percent of women feel comfortable using technology and only 21 percent wish they felt more comfortable using technology, while 20 percent of men wish they felt more comfortable.
Also, 72 percent of women prefer a hands-on approach to technology such as playing with a device in order to learn how to use it, while 46 percent do their own computer troubleshooting.
Oxygen said most women see tech as a means to an end. Over 76 percent would buy a mobile phone even if it’s unattractive, as long as it does everything they need it to do. Only 15 percent feel a mobile phone is a fashion accessory, like jewellery and handbags.
“We are proud to be giving women the credit that they deserve for being savvy and knowledgeable about technology – something we have long suspected and are thrilled to be able to quantify,” said Geraldine Laybourne.