Social media has brought a lot of good to the world, but it also creates strife. Research suggests social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, can create problems in people’s marriages because it can have an addictive quality and pave the way to extramarital affairs.
Regardless of the role, social media played in your marriage; it is important to be aware of how it can affect a divorce. You need to be cautious about what you post regardless, but during a divorce, everything about your personal life can come to the court’s attention. You do not want to make it easy for the other side to learn everything about you. Additionally, social media can make an already stressful time even harder.
Finances on Display
In the courtroom, a person may claim a certain income to avoid paying higher alimony. However, that same person may have just been on Facebook to brag about buying a new car. It is vital for people to remain honest during the divorce proceedings. Even if the person has blocked the former spouse, that spouse can still use legal resources to find out what the person has posted.
Dirty Laundry
Regardless of what the spouse did to facilitate the divorce, it is best to keep private matters private. It can be therapeutic to vent, but people should do so with friends in real life rather than do so online.
Personal Feelings
Some research suggests social media has a negative impact on people’s psyches. For example, spending too much time on social media may mean you will discover something you did not need to know. Perhaps you Facebook-stalk your ex and realize he or she has gotten into a new relationship. You may not be ready emotionally for such information, and you can hurt yourself through such actions. Do not spend too much time online, and make sure to take care of your emotional health during this trying time.