Social media has largely become an ingrained part of modern society. It is not at all uncommon to walk around North Carolina and see people engaging in their favorite apps. However, this does not mean that it always has a positive influence on everything it touches. In addition to negatively affecting marital satisfaction, studies also show that certain social media use can also complicate the divorce process.
Is social media bad for marriage?
According to a study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, social media decreases both marriage quality and satisfaction. The study also determined that individuals who refrain from social media use are approximately 11% happier in their marital relationships. While there are a number of factors at play, one reason cited in the study is that being preoccupied with social media can cause some people to neglect their spouse. A different study even found that Facebook is now cited in 20% of all divorce filings.
Is social media bad for divorce?
Social media has positioned itself as a place where users can vent openly. Doing so often backfires during a divorce, though. It is not unheard of for spouses to retaliate against one another because of social media posts. Many people find that removing themselves from social media until the divorce is finalized is a strategic move. Here are a few best practices for social media when going through a divorce for those who are unable to remove themselves who or wishes to stay on their platforms:
- Refrain from posting anything negative
- Focus on sharing positive information
- Adjust privacy settings to their highest settings
- Do not post anything about the divorce
Going through a divorce can be hard enough as it is, and sometimes social media only serves to complicate it further. It is far from the only thing to keep an eye on during divorce, though. North Carolina couples who are filing for divorce also need to be sure that they understand how the process will affect their marital assets, children and more.
