How Social Media Can Impact Divorce
By making it easier to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances, social media has opened a window into our past. There are a few ways, however, that increased social media use can lead to marital problems, infidelity, and divorce.
Excessive Use of Social Media
In general, people who spend a lot of time on social media miss out on their real lives. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are notorious time wasters that cause users to lose focus and the ability to be present in face-to-face conversations.
While not grounds for divorce, excessive use of social media can have a negative impact on marriage because the constant distraction makes it difficult to devote the quality time and attention that a healthy romantic relationship necessitates.
Reuniting with Exes
Finding and friending a former significant other on the internet can be both harmless and dangerous. Often, a married person is simply curious about the well-being of a significant person from their past and will follow a former significant other. Other times, a spouse may be dissatisfied with their marriage and actively looking for the one who got away. Private messages could easily lead to infidelity if a previous relationship is reignited online. If there is an affair, any correspondence may be admissible in divorce court.
Dating Sites
Tinder, OkCupid, and Match.com are dating sites designed for people looking to connect with others in the hopes of starting a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, Tinder reports that 30% of their users are married, and sites such as HeatedAffairs.com cater to those looking for affairs.
While a study on Computers in Human Behavior found that more than a third of current marriages in the United States began online, no happily married person should have an active account with a mobile or online dating service. While a dating app profile is not conclusive proof of cheating, it is cause for concern and should be investigated. As the saying goes, where there is smoke, there is fire.
If you suspect your spouse of being unfaithful or have noticed suspicious online behavior, contact an experienced Brandon divorce attorneys to help protect your and your family’s assets. To speak with us about your case, please call (813) 902-3576 or fill out our Family Law Intake Form, located on our website under the Contact & Forms Menu.
Brandon Legal Group
1209 Lakeside Drive
Brandon FL, 33510
Phone: (813)-902-3576
Email: service@brandonlegalgroup.com
