A forum of their own: Views about the Internet among ultra-Orthodox Jewish women who browse designated closed fora

Authors

  • Azi Lev-On
  • Rivka Neriya-Ben Shahar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i4.3228

Keywords:

gender, Internet, religion, uses and gratifications

Abstract

The paper studies Internet uses and gratifications by ultra-Orthodox women who are members of closed online fora. The fora constitute a unique environment for ultra-Orthodox women, where they can talk amongst themselves anonymously using modern technology, for purposes that may be illegitimate in their community. It was found that the women perceive the Internet as harmful and dangerous to the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, but as constructive and empowering personally. The paper also studies what relationships women form online and who they discuss their activities with.

Author Biographies

Azi Lev-On

Dr. Azi Lev-On is the head of the new media track in Ariel University Center in Israel. His studies explore behaviors and collective action in computer-mediated environments, employing a variety of methods such as link analysis, surveys and laboratory experiments. For more information see www.azilevon.com

Rivka Neriya-Ben Shahar

Dr Rivka Neriya-Ben Shahar is a lecturer in the school of communication in Sapir Academic College in Israel. Her research is the intersection of communication, religion and gender, focusing on exposure patterns and readings strategies of religious publics.

Downloads

Published

2011-04-03

How to Cite

Lev-On, A., & Neriya-Ben Shahar, R. (2011). A forum of their own: Views about the Internet among ultra-Orthodox Jewish women who browse designated closed fora. First Monday, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i4.3228