Love, Deception, and Morality: Analyzing Online Romance Scams Against Male Victims Through the Lens of Patriarchy and Deontological Ethics

Abstract

This article prioritizes on studying the analysis of deceptive relationship in online romance scams where men are framed as 'victims'. This topic has received relatively limited attention in academic discussion. Therefore, this article aimed (1) to examine how patriarchy affects the image of men as “victims,” particularly in relation to social expectations that men must be strong, rational, and not seen as victims in romantic relationships, and (2) to analyze the actions of both the perpetrator and the victim through the framework of deontological ethics as proposed by Immanuel Kant.
The findings revealed that patriarchy had a strong influence on how men experienced victimhood, particularly in the way they felt compelled to conceal their vulnerability in order to preserve their dignity or masculine identity. When considering Immanuel Kant deontological ethics, it is evident that the perpetrator or scammer acted unethically by using human beings merely as a means to an end, rather than treating them as ends in themselves. This exploitation for personal gain also violates the universal moral law known as the Categorical Imperative. However, the victim is considered to act unethically only if they attempt to assist the scammer with their property or other resources in hopes of gaining something in return, because such actions lack good will. At the same time, if the victim acts in accordance with their duty (as a human being), such behavior is considered ethical, even if the outcome results in some form of loss. However, if the victim is repeatedly deceived and continues to allow themselves to be exploited despite knowing they are being deceived, this is considered unethical. Such behavior reflects a failure to respect one’s own duty or dignity, effectively permitting oneself to become a mere instrument for others.