The sad truth is that many Florida marriages end in divorce. Among the various contributing factors, growing research indicates the negative influences of social media usage on relationships, even during the divorce process. Here’s a closer look at the impact of social media on marriages.
How social media ruins relationships
The first and most profound impact social media has on marriage is that it takes time and attention away from your partner and directs it onto a “fake” life online. Any marriage needs devotion and attention. The moment you start directing too much of that to something other than your spouse and your family, you could be setting yourself up for a divorce.
Too much social media use encourages jealousy, snooping, and suspicions between couples. When you see that your spouse spends a lot of time online, it’s human nature to get curious. The moment you start snooping around, though, mistrust starts to build.
There has been an increase in infidelity and online affairs with the rise of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter have made it so easy for dissatisfied spouses to meet new people that can seem more interesting than what they are used to in real life. In fact, many adults in marriages admit to having secret accounts on social media that they use to seek out a fling.
Last but not least, social media tends to create unrealistic expectations on marriages. As many experts say, not everything you see on social media is real. In fact, much of it is made up to garner following or interest. When you see a friend or family member post something good about their marriage or how they do things, it can create unrealistic expectations on yours, especially if you’ve never done such things before.
Social media and divorce
Social media can also affect the outcome of your divorce settlement and child custody case if you have children. Even though Florida is a no-fault divorce state, if your spouse can show how social media encouraged you to waste marital assets or affected your parenting, your divorce can go differently than you would anticipate.
The truth is, many people can’t live without some social media; it is a great sources of information and connection, after all. But you should work hard to not let it affect your marriage.