Social media has impacted our society in many good ways. Our lives have become easier. Almost everything we want to know is quickly found at the end of a mouse click. We save time and effort by ordering products and planning trips online. We easily catch up with friends on numerous social networking sites. But, there is also a drawback.

Media and Relations

Research has found that these sites can have a negative impact on relationships and can even contribute to divorce. A spouse can spend so much time that they neglect family time and damage relationships. There is a temptation to search for ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends and hooking up could trigger past feelings and/or start an affair. A recent study in the journal Computers in Human Behavior used data collected from US Facebook accounts and found a link between social media use and decreased quality of marriage. The study showed:

Social media use is negatively correlated with marriage quality and happiness, and positively correlated with experiencing a troubled relationship and thinking about divorce.

A twenty percent annual increase in Facebook signup was associated with a 2.18% to 4.32% increase in divorce rates.

The reasons cited for these effects refer to “virtual adultery” and “infidelity on the Internet” as one of the culprits. Electronic communication can make users feel more open and free in their communication with others. It can be done anonymously and is easy to use to carry out an adventure.

Social media used as evidence in divorce and custody proceedings

What you say can be used against you. A recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers showed that nearly 99% of its member attorneys have seen an increase in evidence taken from smartphones (including text messages) and other wireless devices over the past three years. All were used to prove infidelity and other types of misconduct in family law cases.

What not to post

While you’re married, even if divorce seems likely, avoid disparaging your partner on social media or using their Facebook page to air your relationship. If you need to vent, talk to a trusted personal friend in private, or talk to a counselor or therapist. Airing marital clothing, even to your “friends list,” can make matters worse and could be used against you if you file for divorce. Bottom line: If you’re considering a divorce, even if you plan to file for divorce online and hope it goes amicably, take some precautions on social media.