Can technology change our picture of love?
Dating apps are an interesting topic for cultural sociologist Francesco Cerchiaro. Namely, he investigates how societal changes relate to our image of love, relationships, and family. Can technology change our picture of love? 'Tinder and Bumble are turning the dating world into a kind of marketplace. Based on one’s profile pictures, you swipe through your potential matches as if looking for a product,' Cerchiaro begins. This view appears individualistic and secular, contrasting with a sense of community and religious values.
The Muslim community embraces modernity and new technologies while maintaining its religious principles and dynamics
The rise of ‘halal’ dating apps in 2015 raised the question of whether these apps could align with deeply held religious beliefs. In light of this development, Cerchiaro has recently been awarded an NWO Open Competition XS grant to explore this possibility.
So, what is a halal dating app?
In contrast to typical dating apps that target a broad audience, halal dating apps focus specifically on Muslims connecting with other Muslims. Users of Muzz and Salams typically look for a life partner rather than a casual date, emphasising the preservation of their religious identity. But Cerchiaro hypothesises that Muslim migrants or converts to Islam may also utilise these apps, particularly those eager to connect and engage with the local Muslim community. What might this reveal about the social development of the European Muslim community?
I am curious whether the digital world reinforces or challenges traditional gender roles
Religion in the digital world
‘Social development is inevitable, so we shouldn't label it as inherently good or bad,’ Cerchiaro emphasises. Muzz and Salams challenge the idea that dating apps are only Western and individualistic. We see Muslims using platforms that were thought not to be for Muslims because of their lack of religion and individualistic nature. 'That idea enables orientalism, where people see the Muslim community as timeless and unchanging,' Cerchiaro explains. However, the contrary is true; the Muslim community does not isolate itself from progress but embraces modernity and new technologies while maintaining its religious principles and dynamics.
Gender dynamics
There are different gender dynamics in Islamic culture regarding meeting your partner. For instance, women are expected to be modest, while men are expected to take an active role in the first encounter and courtship. 'I am curious whether the digital world reinforces or challenges these traditional gender roles,' Cerchiaro says. To conduct the research best, he is hiring a postdoc with a Muslim background. This way, he is sure to get a nuanced picture of how gender and religious principles go together for Muslims using dating apps.
Isn't love a challenge to the very idea of boundaries?
Question your perspective
Globalisation has created a society where diverse religions, cultures, languages, and lifestyles coexist and transform each other. Muzz and Salams show how different religious communities can adapt to such changes, showing that dating apps are not merely restricted to Western secular phenomena. After all, ‘Isn't love a challenge to the very idea of boundaries?’ concludes Cerchiaro.
