Are Haredi Jews Embracing the Internet Revolution?
Are Haredi Jews Embracing the Internet Revolution?
May 9, 2016
Arutz Sheva — Sarit Okun, a doctoral student in BGU’s Department of Communication Studies, has exposed the mysterious world of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) internet culture.
Many Haredi Jews have long approached the internet with suspicion due to concerns of indecency and influence from Western secular culture, but Okun has found that Haredi pioneers have been making inroads into the digital world and navigating the Net.
Okun conducted her research with the help of her adviser Prof. Galit Nimrod, also of the Department of Communication Studies.
Sarit Okun
The research reveals central characteristics of Haredi internet users as an “online religious community.”
Unlike other online communities, Haredi web users maintain “relative anonymity.”
They often use neutral user nicknames, as not to reveal their identity. Many create an identity for themselves using slang and expressions from the Haredi world.
There is a strong tendency for gossipy conversations, venting, lightheartedness, and freedom, to the point that there are large cracks in their anonymity.
In addition, Okun’s research finds the variety of topics and irregular hours in which the discussions take place emphasizes the considerable influence the internet revolution has had on the Haredi community.
Read more on the Arutz Sheva website >>
Read an article about it in The Washington Post >>
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