Facebook And Social Media Cause 1 in 5 Divorces In U.S.

While most Chicago locals use Facebook to keep in touch with their loved ones, some may be surprised to hear that the popular social networking site has also fueled many breakups and divorces. Managing Director Mark Keenan of Divorce-Online has said that one in every five divorces stemmed from a Facebook-related activity.

According to the San Diego News, a poll done by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers also showed that 80 percent of divorce lawyers said the number of people using social media as a means to engage in extramarital activities has also been rapidly increasing.

“Opportunity and temptation are an age-old problem in relationships,” said Attorney Alan Edmunds, who has had more than 30 years of experience in family law. “[Facebook] makes it easier to have anonymous relationships that people think aren’t real, but they turn into real relationships.”

One common premise in many Facebook-related divorces involves individuals who end up reconnecting with old crushes or rekindling former relationships. Emails, text messages, or phone calls may later turn into a regular habit and suddenly become an affair. Sooner or later, the situation can lead to a lawsuit once a wife, husband, or significant other uncovers the new affair.

Another way social media might spark infidelity or a divorce is when an individual begins paying more attention to his or her social media contacts than his or her present significant other. “People will vent on Facebook instead of talking to their spouse or boyfriend (about an issue),” noted Edmund.

Some couples going through a divorce proceeding may not even realize that the information they put on Facebook or Twitter could also potentially be used against them in court. Attorney Leslie Matthews from Denver said many “people are just blabbing things all over Facebook… It doesn’t even occur to them that they’d be found out.”

To learn more about how Facebook can affect a divorce or separation case, seek legal counsel from a family law attorney.

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