How online dating is different for women in the East compared to the West

Tinder hosts more than three million people and is the most downloaded online dating app. You’d be surprised to know that it announced a record-breaking three billion swipes back in 2020 and has surpassed that record, if not more, 100 times. Online dating is the new way people find love, relationships, or casual meetups. 

But is it the same all around the world? Unfortunately, the answer is no. This article will discuss how online dating differs for women with different backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, and cultures. 

The Mentality Behind Online Dating For Women In Western And Eastern Cultures

Women's role in different aspects of life and profession has been evolving since the earliest of times. However, while most women in the western side of the world have achieved some form of gender equality and initiated a debate for women's rights, the eastern part remains intact with outdated traditions and cultural references. 

Today women in westernized societies prefer casual dating, whereas eastern women are very much concerned about who they allow in their life as a potential love interest. Therefore, online dating is still a naive concept in eastern cultures. Western women are represented by the USA, Europe, Canada, UK, Australia, etc., and eastern women by India, Gulf, a few African and South Asian countries, etc. 

Having said that, the cross-culture comparison in the light of online dating also extends into having a choice between the mode and extent of open communication. While online dating is just one facet, multiple other prerequisites strongly impact how women from different backgrounds behave around online dating and online relationships in general. 

The Onion

There are several layers to a culture that shape the mindset and ideologies of native individuals. The center of this onion is a religion or concept that holds a society together. 

For the last 100 years, western culture has revolutionized how women’s roles were perceived. Earlier, being a housewife or a mom was considered ideal. However, today, western women are all about getting educated, excelling at their careers, and being independent. Even research showed that women in westernized societies are least interested in being mothers or wives. They have rejected the outmoded understandings of what family life should be; as an intermingled consequence, we witness more and more failed marriages and broken homes. 

On the contrary, women in eastern societies value family life and operate with a conservative mindset. The women treat their men with utmost respect and regard. Likewise, they believe in living a modest lifestyle, mainly under the umbrella of the men in the household. Eastern women are faithful, loyal, and dependent on their male counterparts and focus heavily on developing a solid relationship after marriage, unlike western societies. 

The Religious Impact

Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism are the most dominant religions in the east. One thing that remains common in all three of these religions is the portrayal of women. According to the religious scripts, men hold the highest merit in society, whereas women are required to follow their husband’s commands and keep them satisfied. 

If we apply the same phenomenon to online dating, we can still see the reflection of strong religious influence. Swiping left or right on dating apps is still considered shameful, particularly for women. If god forbid, a woman is caught having any online dating apps on her phone; she is badmouthed and tagged as sl*t rather not marriage material. 

Whereas the prevailing religion in the west is Christianity. And Surprisingly, it also holds a similar portfolio for women. But society has advanced so much that now they don't care what religion has to say. Women in the west decide their own rules. They dance to their beat. 

The Long-Standing Traditions

In addition, the notion of parents choosing a life partner for their children is a loved concept for the east but an extremely toxic and forced concept for the west. 

For example, it is illegal and immoral for two single, opposite-gender people to be alone in a hotel room in Saudi Arabia. While the country is undergoing a significant developmental process, dating, sex, and public romance remain taboo. If two people seek a relationship that is more than friends, they will have to go through the proper route of introducing their families and entering courtship. 

On the flip side, public display of affection is not even close to being a concern in the west. In fact, from celebrities to the general public, having a child before marriage is also considered normal, and weddings are becoming an occasional incident. 

So, several aspects play a prominent part in creating differences between how women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and cultures react to an open and advanced concept like online dating. 

Peer Influence

It is one thing to have limitations in religion, ethnicity, nationality, etc., and entirely another thing to have peer influence. This can be clearly spotted in westernized society. Nevertheless, they have a strong history of women who were nothing more than a homemaker and child bearers. But women there broke the barrier and stood for their rights together, which is looked down upon in eastern societies. 

The West is far beyond the level of openness the east can comprehend. Look at the dating shows native to the US and South Korea. The way participants behave in each is a vivid contrast between the values they possess. 

Everyone in the west is open to living life on their terms. They do as their heart pleases without caring much about others. This occurrence is sporadic in the east. The societal pressure to fall in line is immense. And that is why most eastern women are not fond of taking chances that openly.

Conclusion

Individual personalities are deeply woven with several influences that reflect how we decide to lead our lives. It is not to say that one culture is better than the other. Because it is not. Every culture has its pros and cons. 

Likewise, the concept of online dating might not be a big deal in the west, but most eastern women who are tied to their strong culture and values, don’t find it appealing. 

However, we should remember that every woman is different, and so are her priorities in life. Therefore, no one should be stereotyped or judged for their choices.