Women and the web

Purpose This paper aims to examine the use of the internet among the females of Tarbiat Moalem University (TMU) in Tehran. It further aims to consider their favourite sites, issues and their attitude toward using the internet in Iran. Design/methodology/approach The study was implemented through a descriptive survey methodology. A self‐designed questionnaire was distributed and 80 valid samples were collected. The population were all females affiliated to TMU including 21 academic staff, 40 masters and doctoral students and 19 staff members. Findings The study found that there is a significant relation between academic females' use of the internet and their social ranking. As social ranking increases the use of the internet grows. The findings also revealed that as users navigate more through the internet they would find more hidden threats and vague content. Practical implications Some suggestions provided by this study include providing suitable web pages for females according to their needs and culture; enhancing internet access especially from their homes; providing good information pertaining to internet security and proper use; and seeking to refine Iranian attitudes to international web pages. Originality/value The paper provides insight into a group of Iranian academic females' use of the internet. It will help researchers to achieve a closer view to such women's conditions and it is therefore of use to web developers who might design better content related to female interests especially in Iran.