comScore released an interesting global report providing an in-depth analysis of the female Internet user, highlighting key trends by Internet activity, worldwide region and digital channel. While some female behaviors are somewhat obvious, others are quite surprising. What we thought we knew about how moms, college girls, and retirees use the Web is constantly evolving. Here are some of the key findings:

Social networking is central to women’s Internet experience. Regardless of how much you believe that women are primarily communicators, networkers and facilitators, it’s clear they are embracing social networking in a way that men are not. Furthermore, the rise of social networking has prompted women of all ages to engage in a host of associated online activities, such as photo-sharing, gaming, video viewing and instant messaging. All of these activities have benefited from their linkage with Social Networking sites in terms of their ability to attract new female users.

In the U.S., currently the largest e-commerce market in the world, women are the key drivers of online buying. More women than men transact on the Internet and, collectively, they spend more. And it’s not surprising that women over-index most heavily in the following categories: Fragrances/Cosmetics, E-cards, Flowers, Gifts and Greetings, Pets.

Women are just as likely to manage their money online, and moms and grandmothers have emerged as online gamers along with high school- and college-aged boys. And, engaging in online vices is no longer the exclusive territory of men.

Get the full report here (requires registration).

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