238.6
Sociological Study of E-Dating and E-Prostitution in Iran
Sociological Study of E-dating and E-prostitution in Iran
Abstract
Iran has provided the possibilities for virtual networks by facilitating internet access to the public. But the open nature and lack of "enough" control over the virtual community contradicted with the laws and regulations put into practice by the Islamic Republic. One of these contradictions is the dynamics of online dating and prostitution.
As a result of strict rules imposed by the government , dating, "illegal" relationships, as well as prostitution, has been looking for new opportunities in virtual environment. In particular, online social networks such as Facebook have provided a new market for sex trade. There has been a surge in Facebook subscriptions in Iran with the purpose of advertising and seeking sexual services. This study attempts to examine this phenomenon from a sociological perspectives focusing on prostitution;
Data collected from Facebook pages of Iranian users concerned have indicated that the following key points have led to the growth and popularization of this phenomenon.
- evasion of law
- freedom from the restrictions of family,
- passing the limits of time and space,
- achieving social identity in digital social stratum of prostitution,
- anonymous identities,
- ease of socializing,
- desirably setting the conditions/price for services,
- avoiding loss of earnings to pimps,
- screening and vetting the persons of interest
- sociological (e.g. economic, cultural, religious) reasons, implications, and lowering the risk of embarrassment,
- possibility of freely expressing hidden sexual fantasies and leisure,
- combating social exclusion and finding the strength to oppose popular culture.
The trend of e-prostitution in Iran is on growth and our study attempts to discuss the consequences of this phenomenon.
Keywords: Iran, cyber-space, Facebook, prostitution, leisure