The depiction of communication technology in film: Differences by gender and across time 1970–2010

• The use of technology in film has increased over time.
• Men are portrayed utilizing technology in film more than is true for women.
• Men use technology for business purpose.
• Women are portrayed in film utilizing technology for personal use.
• Data support the work of social constructionist.

The use of technology and how we communicate has changed over time. The present study explores how communication is depicted in film and how this differs by gender and across time. The sampling frame consists of the highest grossing films from 1972 to present day. Data support the proposition that there is more technology based communication in film across time. More men than women are portrayed with technology in film. Furthermore, when women interface with technology, they have a higher incidence of utilizing technology for personal use while men tended to use technology for business purposes. We argue that gender differences in use of technology that is portrayed in film shape personal and societal notions about appropriate gender role construction vis-à-vis technology. Importantly, this research supports the social constructionists theory of technology in society demonstrating how images and messaging can craft specific perceptions of technology and its use.