Breaking Up in the Digital Age: The Impact of Social Media on Divorce

How Social Media Has Impacted Divorce

It's no surprise that social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Due to their growing popularity and integration, many of us engage with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn. In the short time in which social media has been available, social media has demonstrated its capacity to impact modern divorces negatively.

When one is engaged in the process of divorcing from their spouse, it is recommended to maintain a low profile on social media. Keeping a low profile online includes but is not limited to limiting posts, comments, photos, and videos before, during, and after divorce proceedings.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media can cause or exacerbate divorce. Social media plays a significant role in modern divorce proceedings. Activity on platforms can impact several aspects of family law such as the division of assets, decision-making, parenting time, and spousal and child support. During divorce proceedings, it is crucial to recognize that even seemingly minor actions taken by a spouse on social media can be used as evidence against them. What may appear insignificant online can hold significant implications. Here are a few examples of seemingly harmless acts that can potentially lead to considerable repercussions:

• Changing one's relationship status on Facebook;
• Posting photos of the use of alcohol or marijuana;
• Posting about your divorce;
• Bad-mouthing your spouse or their family;
• Posting your new relationship;
• Posting about your lifestyle displaying spending of a significant sum of money;
• Posting intimate or sensitive information;
• Posting things that are not 100% true.

"Nothing Ever Gets Deleted from the Internet"

You have likely heard the famous statement "Nothing ever gets deleted from the internet." It is an important statement to remember, mainly when using social media during divorce proceedings. The reason is that even if a post is only up for a few moments, it is impossible to know who has seen, screenshot, shared, or saved it. Therefore, even if you delete a post, you cannot have complete peace of mind knowing that it has been entirely removed from the internet.

What to Think About When Using Social Media During a Divorce

There are important things to think about when deciding whether or not to use social media during your divorce. It's important to remember that social media can make you feel jealous, resentful, and alone. It can also make addiction and cheating worse. So it's worth thinking about these strategies for using social media during your divorce:

• Take a break from social media; consider deactivating or deleting your social media accounts.
• Private your accounts.
• Change your passwords for all your accounts.
• Consult with your attorney regarding your posts and posts by your ex-spouse.

Navigating social media during divorce can be challenging, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible to protect your privacy and emotional well-being. Be mindful of what you post, review your privacy settings, and seek support when needed.

At INB Family Law LLP, we understand the complexities of divorce and offer comprehensive family law services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during this challenging time.