Coupling-Decoupling: Textual Analysis of a Tik Tok Video on an Unconventional Marriage Proposal of a White Adult Heterosexual Male in Search of a Husband

This paper aimed to understand the sociocultural and economic context of an unconventional TikTok marriage proposal video from 2022. By investigating the religious and ethical implications of the proposal, the study sought to expand the discourse of marriage in the age of social media, which amplifies unpopular and dissenting voices. The study analyzed one viral video of a white adult heterosexual male, using textual analysis and literature review. The video was transcribed via kome.ai and analyzed for key points made by the speaker. Findings were cross-referenced with literature on popular marriage arrangements (Judeo-Christian-Muslim and traditional arranged marriages) and less common ones (platonic marriage, civil marriage, and domestic partnership). The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice were examined to evaluate the ethical soundness of the proposal, also considering human dignity and self-determination. Results revealed that multiple commitments among mutually consenting adults challenge traditional norms but reflect diverse ways to seek fulfillment. The proposed marriage between two heterosexual males aligns with ethical principles but depends on mutual understanding. This new marriage proposal offers an unconventional approach to addressing intimacy and relationship gaps among males by emphasizing personal autonomy, freedom from traditional expectations of exclusivity, and focusing on practical benefits rather than emotional intimacy.