Social Media Issues and Divorce

Social media has become more than just a way for friends and family in West Michigan to stay connected. It is now one of the most popular ways for businesses to advertise or market their product or service. It is a great way for organizations to raise funds or awareness. It is also an easy way to keep the public informed about an event or a cause. And, of course, it is a great way for people to stay in touch and share photos and updates with their friends and family.

Social media, however, can also lead to relationship issues and very often play an integral part in divorce proceedings. As social media becomes more popular, it has also become easier for people to reconnect with old flames, and even rekindle those past relationships.

The threat of infidelity posed by social media is not the only problem. Facebook, Instagram and other outlets can also generate addictive behavior. A Chicago University poll concluded that people can become more addicted to social media than alcohol and nicotine.

In many cases, continuous use of social media, suspicious behavior, unusual posts and more can cause distrust between partners and spouses. Many often try to hide the level of their use.

All social media outlets can lead to marital issues, with 15 percent of couples polled reporting that social media was responsible for the problems in their relationship. A quarter of the couples polled reported that social media use caused at least one argument each week.

One social media outlet stands out from the rest in its impact on relationships. In 2019, Facebook has taken the lead, accounting for one-third of all marriage strife. In a study published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Facebook was cited as the leading cause of divorce in nearly 30 percent of cases.

For many spouses, the primary complaint was inappropriate messages to members of the opposite sex. However, in a substantial number of cases, high use was the biggest issue. In either case, the same study found that people who access Facebook more than one hour per day are more likely to have conflict in their marriage.

Although social media provides a number of positive tools and results, its over-use can interfere with, and even destroy, a relationship. If you believe you are facing divorce for any reason, please contact a lawyer and learn your rights. In West Michigan, please contact the experienced attorneys at Johnsen Wikander and let us help you through your most difficult time.