Impact of Social Media on Your Marriage and Divorce

Whether we realize it or not, social media has significantly impacted most areas of our lives. From the way we communicate with others to how we form our opinions, social media plays a substantial role in what we say, think, and feel. Our relationships are one of the greatest aspects of our lives most affected by social media. Unfortunately, the effect is more negative than it is positive.

Numerous studies indicate that individuals who frequently interact on social media sites are more likely to experience conflict with their partners. These studies also suggest that there is a direct correlation between social media use and a decrease in the quality of marriage, as well as a greater risk for high-conflict divorce.

Social Media and Marriage

Though social media is a much loved method of communication, there are things that married individuals do on social media that directly impact their marriage. They include:

• Using Social Media as a Support System. Too many people use social media as a place to vent and complain about their significant others. This public airing of personal issues is not only inappropriate, but it also leads to otherwise avoidable marriage troubles.
• Failing to Mention the Other Partner: While some people say too much on social media, others say too little. From frequently using “I” instead of “we,” to posting only pictures of themselves and the children, there are many actions one individual can take on social media that unwittingly make their spouse feel left out or worse, unloved.
• Spending Too Much Time on Social Media: One of the most cited reasons for conflict in a marriage stemming from social media is the amount of time one or both partners spend on social media sites. A significant amount of time spent on social media and in frequent contact with one particular person can lead to jealousy and trust issues.

Social Media and Divorce

Unfortunately, because so many people over share on social media, a person’s social media accounts can become subject to high levels of scrutiny by their ex-partner and their attorney during a divorce. Past and present social media activity will be analyzed in the hopes of catching them in an act that could negatively impact the outcome of the divorce. From posting pictures of themselves drinking, to commenting about the crazy night they just had, what a person posts on social media can negatively impact everything from alimony to child custody.

To avoid the negative repercussions that social media can have on their divorce, divorcing individuals should ask their friends to not post any embarrassing or incriminating photos of them online, and refrain from doing so themselves. Additionally, they should not assume that their accounts are private, and should always post with the assumption that their partner’s attorney will be reviewing their online profiles for evidence.

Obtain the Advice of a Boca Raton Divorce Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Schwartz | White in Boca Raton, we have seen the devastating effect that social media can have on both a marriage and a divorce. Whether you are going through a divorce or are about to tie the knot, speaking with a divorce lawyer about the potential complications that social media can create can help either save your marriage or at the very least, make the divorce process less problematical. To obtain the advice of an experienced attorney, call our office at 561-391-9943 or go online to schedule a consultation.

Resource:

huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/30/way-to-ruin-marriages-facebook_n_7183296.html