People around the world practice different religions that impose certain rules and guidelines regarding sex, marriage, and family life. These belief systems may vary greatly from each other but they share some commonalities regarding their views on what is considered appropriate behavior for men and women in terms of romantic and sexual encounters.
Due to the growth of technology, many people find it difficult to meet potential partners or engage in romantic/sexual relations. Therefore, online spaces have become popular venues where one can encounter individuals who might be compatible with them. This raises an important question: How do believers interpret religious sexual norms when emotional and erotic connections develop primarily through online spaces?
The development of these connections has been facilitated by the Internet and its numerous dating apps and websites that enable users to search for potential partners based on shared interests and personal preferences.
The Tinder app allows users to set up profiles that include information about themselves such as age, gender, location, religion, etc., while also allowing them to express interest in others who match those criteria. In contrast, Facebook Dating enables users to browse through profiles of friends of friends and see if there is a possibility of forming a relationship.
As for religious beliefs, Islam forbids extramarital relationships, adultery, homosexuality, and any form of premarital intimacy between opposite-gender couples (such as kissing). Muslims are expected to marry within their own faith and follow strict regulations related to sexual practices. They believe that God created men and women differently, and therefore, their roles in a marriage are not equal; wives must obey their husbands and give birth to children.
They consider sex only within marriage as permissible.
Some Muslims believe that online spaces could be used to find suitable partners without compromising their beliefs since they are considered temporary relationships until marriage takes place. Some even argue that it is acceptable to engage in virtual chats or flirtations before meeting someone physically because one cannot know whether he/she will like the person or not, making it possible to avoid wasting time with unsuitable candidates. Others claim that online communication does not involve physical contact, so there is no need to worry about breaking religious rules.
Judaism has strict laws regarding marriage; both partners should be of the same faith, and any sexual activity outside marriage is prohibited.
Many Jewish individuals are open to dating people from different backgrounds but would prefer to maintain a platonic relationship until marriage. Thus, online spaces provide an opportunity to meet potential partners who share similar values while preserving the principles of the religion.
Catholics also have specific guidelines on romantic and sexual relationships, such as abstaining from sexual intercourse before marriage and refraining from adultery after getting married.
Catholic leaders encourage their followers to use technology to meet new people and broaden their social circle without engaging in explicit conversations or activities. They warn against the risk of being exposed to pornographic content that can lead to addiction or infidelity. Therefore, Catholics view online spaces as safe places where people can build genuine connections based on shared interests and beliefs, leading to marriages rather than casual encounters.
While religions impose different rules on sexual behavior, online spaces allow believers to find compatible partners who may share their views. Muslims can seek temporary arrangements to test compatibility, Jews may date people from different cultures while respecting their tradition, and Catholics can look for like-minded individuals without compromising their beliefs. Still, all three groups agree that online communication should not include physical contact or pornography.
How do believers interpret religious sexual norms when emotional and erotic connections develop primarily through online spaces?
The development of relationships is generally considered as an important aspect of human life. According to experts, healthy and stable relationships can bring positive outcomes such as physical and mental wellbeing, happiness, stability, security, and satisfaction (Hendrick et al. , 2016). The emergence of modern technology has significantly impacted how people form romantic relationships today. People may meet potential partners on social media platforms and dating apps, which are also commonly known as "online spaces.