Unreported World: Season 2016, Episode 8

2016 - 8: Iran's Dating Revolution

Unreported World visits the Islamic Republic of Iran for the first time, to take a rare look at the reality of life for young Iranians. With nearly half of 18 to 35-year-olds single, the country is in the midst of a marriage crisis. In response, the government has set up an official online matchmaking site. But, as reporter Shaunagh Connaire and director Adam Patterson discover, behind this new website is an army of traditional matchmakers fielding calls from mothers in Tehran who want to find spouses for their sons and daughters. Tehran brims with contradictions. Many young Iranians are shunning marriage and enjoying newly popular ways to meet people, such as Instagram. But it's hard to combine the search for love, commitment to the rules of Islam, and respect for the traditions the older generation think are important. No wonder so many young Iranians find it easier to stay single.