The self online: The utility of personal home pages

The objective of this study was to understand the utility of personal home pages for their creators. Combining survey research and content analysis, the study investigated how demographic and medium use variables, home page motives, unwillingness to communicate, and contextual age were reflected through Web page design. Data analysis revealed that most Web authors hosted a page for information and entertainment purposes, some for self-expression and for communicating with friends and family, and fewer for professional advancement or to pass time. Design tools supplied by the personal home page providers, Web page location, expertise with computers and the Internet, and Web author motivation influenced the look of personal home pages.