Susan
Bastani
Arab World Geographer
3 (1), 2000:40-59.
Abstract
On-line
communication is a new way for building and maintaining human relationships.
Geographically dispersed individuals are able to communicate at a speed and
cost superior to telephone, mail, and face-to-face meetings. It is important
to study the impact of the development of this new mode of communication on
human relationships. This paper examines the pattern of on-line interaction
among Muslim women and the kinds of support they provide and sustain on-line.
Both participant observation and interviews indicate that members who are socially
and geographically isolated and live away from Muslim communities attempt to
gain more information and support on-line. These women are among the "active"
members and look for more face-to-face and off-line interaction to reduce their
feeling of isolation. Other type of support which these Muslim women provide
on-line are also explored.