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The month of Ramadan in Morocco is undergoing a noticeable shift in habits, driven social media. With the rise of modern technology, Ramadan has evolved into more than just a time for spiritual reflection and worship—it's now also a time when digital interactions surge, influencing every aspect of daily life.
Marouane Harmach, a digital communication expert, explained that Ramadan has become a period of heightened online activity, especially after Iftar. The daily internet usage pattern changes, with many Moroccans flocking to digital platforms for religious content, entertainment, and even viral challenges that dominate social networks.
Harmach attributes the increased demand for digital content to the extra free time that comes with shorter work and school hours during Ramadan. The rise of television channels adapting to this trend by broadcasting their programs online has also contributed to this shift, as he shared in his conversation with Yabiladi.
New Expressions of Social Solidarity
One of the most significant transformations during Ramadan, thanks to social media, is how solidarity is expressed. «In the past, solidarity was shown through visiting neighbors and personally distributing food to the needy», Harmach noted. Today, «these acts have moved online, with charitable campaigns organized through social media platforms to gather donations and support families in need».
These online campaigns, according to Harmach, reflect the broader reach of social solidarity, which was once confined to the family and neighborhood circles.
«Solidarity is a deeply ingrained value in Moroccan culture, and with social media, it has taken on a new form. This digital shift has broken geographical boundaries, enabling Moroccans worldwide to engage in and support charitable causes».
Social media has also brought about a noticeable shift in family and community relationships. Virtual interactions, particularly through video calls, have become a primary mode of communication for extended families across cities and even countries. Harmach observed that while these technologies can't replace traditional face-to-face interactions, they have fostered a new way to maintain family ties, enabling continuous communication with loved ones.
«I believe social media has a more positive than negative impact because it helps preserve family connections and gatherings, which are essential to Ramadan traditions in Morocco», the social media expert remarked.
A Shift Towards Behavioral Diversity
Mohssine Benzakour, a social psychology professor, also pointed out to Yabiladi that society is undergoing change, with the early stages not being purely technological. «There is a shift in how people perceive and practice Ramadan, affecting the psychological and social fabric of society, particularly in terms of social upbringing».
«This upbringing used to be the responsibility of the family, which transmitted customs and Ramadan traditions. However, with the rise of technology, particularly television and social media, this role has diminished», he explained.
Benzakour confirmed that social media has a significant influence, «but not in creating uniform behavior. Instead, it has encouraged behavioral diversity». He noted that, in the past, there was a cultural uniformity that defined Moroccan customs, but now, social media fosters creativity in behavior, which has become its defining feature.
«We no longer simply preserve a particular culture. Now, consumption, the desire to appear, visual imagery, and the pursuit of enjoyment shape behavior», he concluded.
