Baba Wame (photo), came from Cameroon to describe his PHD research studying the internet habits of women from Cameroon.
The initial data outlined: religious patterns, Muslim in the north of the country and Christian in the south; two official languages EN and FR; internet has existed for 12 years in the country; their are 500,000 users mostly in internet cafes; the main age group of women using the net are 18 – 34 yrs and many of them are looking for husbands outside of Cameroon
The main activity for net dating/husband searching happens in the south and mainly through personal economical reasons. The country has an unemployment rate of up to 50% in young adults. The status of a white husband and mixed children is a central goal. Despite the fact that activity is expensive, families help in sharing the cost to be online and the women organise themselves in groups (reminded me of a book group!) so they can review individuals – mutually to get rid of the time wasters!
Top choices in men: good job; earning power; white; 35+-year and top category Swiss! The sad thing is many of these women, of the ones who are successful (10-15%) with a digital husband and leave Cameroon, 60% of end up in prostitution and are not able to come back. This research highlights that this probably happens in other African countries; and how the internet is now making it more accessible.
Another project, carried out by Frank Beau called Metromantics, studied habits on the metro in Paris and brings up some other interesting new online attraction habits. See this link from the frog design group to review: http://designmind.frogdesign.com/blog/metromantics.html
Up next the “father of the internet”.
LabforCulture is a partner initiative of the European Cultural Foundation. LabforCulture is grateful for the support provided by its funders.
