In the article “Gender Gap in Cyberspace” Tannen compares differences the way men and women approach new technologies.
She contrasts her experiences with one of her colleagues named Ralph. Tannen and Ralph were both computer pioneers, buying their first machines in 1980. While Ralph became a computer expert, Tannen remained a self-described novice. The computer games that came with her first Apple IIe didn't interest her. She did, however, get hooked on e-mail, which seemed like a form of "souped-up conversation."
First she states that Ralph pursued ever-newer technology,