Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study of Web usage of 139 users over a 8 month period of time. It uses a longitudinal Web log analysis of the URLs accessed during 33916 user-days of Web usage. It aims to detect changes in Web usage associated with increased experience of using the Web. Specifically, it answers the question whether or not users shift from undirected browsing in the Web to directed access of Web sites as they gain expertise in using the Web. We used a session-based approach to measure individual Web usage. The results of our study have several important implications both for Business to Consumer electronic commerce and for public policy as it pertains to the digital divide.

Share

COinS