Internet Dating: Exploring Persian Websites and Weblogs

Authors
susan bastani
Zahra Akhondan
M. A. of Sociology, Alzahra University
Abstract
In this article, we study Iranian dating online systems and focus on characteristics of  the users of these systems in World Wide Web and try to provide a typology of Persian dating online systems. In this paper, first will be provided a definition of this type of dating, and will be categorized these systems by using observation method in cyberspace. Then, function, components of systems, and their user’s characteristics will be studied. Along with observation, interview with websites’ managers and some users and questionnaire also, have been used. The results suggest that dating systems are visible in two categories: weblogs and websites; dating websites, providing better services, attract more users than weblogs. Most users are from the middle to upper class, have high education, are in the marriage age and live in large cities. Furthermore, the results indicate, dating process in internet is similar to the real world, and usually men start the relationship. The only major difference is possible abuse of user information, because of anonymity in cyberspace.

Keywords

 
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Cultural Studies & Communication
Volume 5, Issue 17
Winter 2010
Pages 29-52