Online dating and courtship among Muslim American women: Negotiating technology, religious identity, and culture

Abstract

This research examines how online dating technology affects the experience of mate selection and courtship among Muslim American women. Sixteen individuals who (1) self-identified as Muslim American women and (2) were actively using online dating websites participated in interviews about their experiences. Qualitative data analysis suggests that these women balance the perceived advantages of online dating (e.g. increased individual agency in initiating romantic relationships, increased control over interaction, greater confidentiality and privacy) with their desire to maintain their cultural and religious courtship practices. Additionally, participants identified challenges they faced with online dating, including social stigma, fear of others’ misrepresentation, and frustrations with technology. This study contributes toward a deeper understanding of how new technologies integrate with existing religions and cultures and gives insights into the nature of technological change and adaptation in society more generally.

Severity of depression and anxiety in relation to problematic smartphone use in the United Arab Emirates: The mediational roles of rumination and fear of missing out

“…This is a surprising finding given the sociocultural and religious context in this region of the world that often places immense control and restriction on young adults' capacity to socialize freely with others. Socialization with similarly aged individuals of the opposite sex is typically discouraged and access to experiences outside of the family or home may be limited (Rochadiat et al, 2018). In response, many young adults may engage in excessive use of their devices to gain access to experiences that they have been excluded from and to alleviate the negative emotion resulting from missing out (Vally & El Hichami, 2019).…”

“…We hypothesize that given the unique social rules that govern the UAE, a country in which individuals are primarily of Arab descent and practicing Muslims, a unique pattern of PSU may be evident in relation to the other psychological variables. In this context, the formation of offline friendships/relationships between the genders is typically not encouraged (Larsson, 2011; Rochadiat, Tong, & Novak, 2018; Vally & Alowais, 2020). Thus, to circumvent these social rules, adolescents and young adults tend to favor (and must use) smartphone‐facilitated online communication as a primary means of social connection (Vally & El Hichami, 2019).…”

Transformasi Makna Ta’aruf di Era Digital

“…Ini juga dilakukan untuk menghindari fitnah dan kontrol individu dalam bersikap. Senada dengan Ahmed (2013 dalam Rochadiat, Tong, & Novak, 2018) menyebutkan bahwa tujuan utama dari keterlibatan pihak ketiga selama proses ta'aruf adalah untuk memastikan bahwa perilaku individu dapat terkontrol dengan baik selama proses ta'aruf berlangsung dan dapat membuat keputusan secara matang (tidak tergesa-gesa) serta informasi yang dibutuhkan terkait calon pasangan diperoleh dari pihak yang tepat.…”

“…Kredibilitas pengelola akun atau aplikasi ta'aruf dapat dilihat dari peserta ta'aruf online yang berhasil ta'aruf dan memutuskan menikah. Grewal ([2009] dalam Rochadiat et al, 2018) menemukan bahwa kaum muda muslim Amerika telah menggunakan layanan jejaring sosial, seperti Naseeb.com dan Facebook, yang dapat memberikan akses yang lebih besar kepada calon pasangan muslim yang berada di luar lingkaran sosial orang terdekat mereka.…”

“…Faktor usia, ingin mendapatkan pasangan saleh/salihah, desakan keluarga serta dorongan dari diri menjadi alasan dari pasangan yang menjalani ta'aruf. Rochadiat et al (2018) melakukan penelitian pengalaman wanita muslim Amerika yang secara sukarela menggunakan teknologi (TIK) kencan online meliputi motivasi, dampak CMC bagi wanita muslim Amerika yang melakukan kencan online serta kendala yang dihadapinya untuk memahami tantangan dan negosiasi kompleks yang dihadapi komunitas agama dan budaya di Amerika Serikat di dunia modern saat ini.…”