Divorce is difficult even in the best of circumstances. However, when one or both spouses post about their impending split on social media, even in a local Maryland forum, their words can exacerbate matters. Staying off social media is the best tactic.
Social media cited in many divorces
Several studies have shown that spouses with high social media usage are less happy in their marriages, with many discovering that their partners have cheated on them through interactions on social platforms. Loyola University Health Systems has indicated that Facebook is cited in one divorce in every five as a prime factor for the split. More spouses search for evidence online when their suspect their spouses of bad behavior and infidelity.
Some people go to social media to vent their anger or rage, especially when they mistakenly believe that everyone else’s life is better than theirs. If you stay off social media during divorce negotiations, you won’t give your spouse a reason for retaliation.
If you choose to remain on social media, follow these guidelines:
- Don’t post anything negative about family members or your spouse
- Post positive affirmations or images of something you enjoy doing
- Remove your relationship status
- Don’t discuss your case
- Don’t look for “dirt” about your spouse online
- Avoid posting intimate photos from your marriage
- Monitor your children’s social media usage
Focusing on divorce negotiations
Instead of putting your energy into social media, a better tactic is to focus on your divorce negotiations and the life ahead of you. Depending on your situation, you will have many facets to consider, including property division, possible spousal support, child custody and support, etc. Emotional and financial turmoil are common enough without social media postings getting in the way.
If your job requires you to use social media for promotional purposes, make sure you focus on your original goal and don’t mention the impending divorce. Ask for advice about wording posts so you can avoid any possible conflict.