Girls and BBM in Qatar

Blackberries have become a device that is used by a large number of people. People from all ages use it in their own way. However, there are some limitations to how it is being used. Gender plays a big role in this. Qatar is a male dominant society. This means that men have more power in showing their social life on social network programs like bbm. In a conservative country like Qatar, a girl’s reputation is very important. Blackberry also plays a role in a girl’s reputation. You may ask how? A girl in Qatar has to be careful on what to include and what to not include on blackberry messenger. For example, I asked a local girl if she can post her pictures on blackberry messenger display picture she answered: “No way!, its too risky” the case here is fear from other people in the society. Some people see it as people who post their pictures online or on social networks websites are looked at in a negative way, which is not necessarily true. As a local, I find this to be true to certain degrees. I personally don’t post any of my pictures on blackberry messenger and I do not update the areas I’m at. However, I post some pictures that show locations but not necessarily who is in the picture, or where exactly. That’s what the majority of girls choose to do, they post hints that might imply where they are but not really show where they are. This relates to the interaction theory, to interact with other through bbm. Girls are conservative because they fear others might talk about them through word of mouth

. However, some locals do post their pictures but with limitations to avoid intensity in conversations about them. Other girls might have a hidden identity on bbm with a fake name, so that they can freely post any status updates without having to worry that other might find out who they are.