Many young people in Vietnam are joining online virtual marriages, considering it as a way to ease stress.

15 year-old girl gets married

Mrs Van Ly in Hanoi was shocked to see her 15-year old daughter’s status on Facebook in which it claimed she was married to a 16-year old boy in Danang City.

When asked by the mother, she confessed that she had joined an online forum providing automatic software that introduced relationships for its members in just a few minutes.

She said this is a new trend of many young people. Many are happy to ignore their studies and sleep, devoting the time to seeking new relationships.

Several online dating websites have software known as a compatibility measuring machine which acts as a match-maker for young people. Although the machine’s reliability has not yet been defined, users are keen on the software because it helps them to find ideal partners automatically. While two people may not know each other, the machine ‘allows’ them to get married.

Linh Chi, a second-year student from Hanoi University, said, “Sometimes, when we feel tired with real relationships we instead turn to virtual marriages as a way to ease our stress.”

“Online couples” often update their information and care for each as though it’s real life. To maintain their relationship, they have to spend a lot of time online. They also contact each other through mobile phones.

Virtual marriage certificates

With just a few clicks to fill in a profile and a personality test, young people can easily find a list of suggested partners along with their personal information and image revealed.

Websites are in both Vietnamese and English. Some 10th grade students have already been married for a third time and the marriages have publicised online. Many young people consider their online marriages as personal achievements.

Quynh Mai from Chu Van An High School in Hanoi said, "We see it as an entertaining thing, and we can get divorced if we find we’re too different. We often get married to those who live in the same city so that we can directly meet each other later. Quite a few friends of mine have become real couples after meeting online.”

She also added that young people are as interested in virtual marriage certificates as they are with the genuine article, with some seeing it as evidence of their stylishness.

Many post the certificates on their blog or Facebook, therefore, they are thought to have already been married.

Minh Anh from Hanoi University of Technology said that her friend posted the certificate on her personal website but once her father had discovered the image, she was banned from using the internet for six months.

Mai Hanh in the 12th grade at Phan Dinh Phung High School in Hanoi got married online with a 35-year old man. After online chats, they met each other and now often have regular dates like a couple.