How Does Social Media Affect Divorce?

Social media has changed the landscape of relationships and marriage. What used to be private moments and conversations between couples are now being shared with the world. Social media can be a great platform to connect with friends and share areas of our life, but it has also significantly impacted many marriages and divorces. In some cases, evidence found on social media has caused couples to split, and divorce is more complicated because of sharing tendencies online. 

Just how impactful is social media during a divorce? How cautious should individuals act when online during a dissolution of a marriage? Our blog explores why you should be careful online and how social media activity plays a role in a divorce. 

How many Americans use social media?

Over the past decade or more, social media has become an increasingly common fixture in the lives of Americans. According to a survey in 2021 from Pew Research, around seven-in-ten Americans reported using a form of social media to connect with others, stay up to date with current news, and share information. What does this mean for couples getting a divorce? Can what you share on social media impact child custody or spousal support? Read more below. 

• Be careful what you share online.

Being careless about what we post on social media is easy in our digital age. With the click of a button, we can share our thoughts and feelings with the world. But before we hit “post,” it’s essential to take a moment to consider how a social media post may be interpreted. 

It is essential to exercise caution before posting anything online and to think about how a spouse’s friends, family, or extended family might interpret vacations, socializing while taking care of children, or showcasing spending online. While you might have the best intentions, you don’t need the extra trouble in court.

•  Don’t bad mouth your ex online.

The internet is a vast, infinite collection of information at our fingertips, and what you share online will live there forever.  If you are going through a divorce or child custody battle, it is crucial to be mindful of what you say about the other parent and other family members online. Even if you are not directly engaged in social media, your family members may be, and their comments can reflect poorly on you. 

If you would not want your child to see what you are saying, it is best to refrain from posting anything negative, including venting. It is better to keep those thoughts to yourself or discuss them with a trusted friend, lawyer, or therapist. Not only will this help to protect your reputation, but it will also safeguard your children’s relationship with the other parent.

• Change privacy settings and passwords.

Social media privacy settings are simple to change, and you can dictate who sees what, which is a huge benefit during a divorce. Limit what your ex and their family, friends, and coworkers see. Additionally, if you have shared login information to social media accounts in the past with your ex, now is the time to change any login information they might know. Changing passwords will safeguard your privacy and ensure your ex won’t be able to collect evidence or make assumptions while using your account.

Take action to protect your rights during a divorce.

If you are considering divorce, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC provides compassionate legal representation for people going through a divorce. We can help you explore all of your options and protect your rights during this difficult time. Contact us today to discuss the details of your family law case! We’re here to help.