Moroccan Experts Warn of Risks in TikTok Marriage Matchmaking Trend

The marriage programs broadcast on TikTok Faqih, belonging to a Moroccan residing in Italy, which allow the connection, formation of several couples and marriage via social networks, are a success. However, they are sources of problems, especially for people looking for partners. "There are differences of opinion on the subject, from an ethical point of view, and due to the fear of being a victim of fraud. Many cases of fraud in the context of online relationships with the intention of marriage have been reported. This could also promote the proliferation of digital crimes such as financial blackmail from personal information obtained," says activist Bouchra Idrissi to Al3omk. He also warned that "such practices can sometimes lead to a form of modern slavery, a risk that has appeared in some cases of traps set through marriage on the Internet and social networks".

According to psychologist and social psychologist researcher Yassine Amnay, long-distance marriage is not a new phenomenon in Morocco, as this trend had previously gained momentum on social networks such as Facebook, as well as specialized marriage sites. But the novelty, in the case of the "Fqih" program, lies in the transition from the private to the public sphere of the connection of marriage applicants, explained the academic, noting that previously, only technology played the role of mediator, while today the man, the woman and the mediator (the program manager) all appear publicly before the TikTok audience. The success of "Fqih", which has allowed more than 500 couples to marry, proves that finding a life partner via TikTok has become a tangible reality, reflecting a change in the Moroccan context and an openness of individuals to the digital world, noted Amnay.

According to his explanations, the transformations that have taken place in the Moroccan context have revealed an openness of individuals to the networked digital world, whose presence is now equivalent to that of real society, as this allows, for example, two people to meet despite the geographical distance and to agree on the motivations for their choice. However, he warned against the culture of the image promoted by TikTok, which could lead to non-objective choices. According to the researcher, it is important to find a balance between material criteria and ethical values in the choice of a life partner.