How Big a Role Does Social Media Play in Divorce?

How Big a Role Does Social Media Play in Divorce?

When people get married they typically dream of a lifetime filled with happiness. Despite this dream, the reality is that many marriages end in divorce. Building a successful and lasting marriage is a wonderful goal, but there are many unforeseen factors in life that can negatively impact a marriage. Sometimes, those factors place so much pressure and stress upon a couple that they realize they cannot remain together. While there are many “common” causes of divorce, there is a new factor that is increasingly contributing to the demise of many marriages.

According to a recent study from a London law firm, one out of every seven people surveyed said that their spouse’s social media use could lead them to consider filing for divorce, while 25% of the people questioned stated that they argue with their spouse at least once a week about their use of social media sites, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 17% indicated that they argue about social media use at least once a day. Additionally, nearly 60% of the respondents also said that they knew their spouse’s social media passwords even if their spouse was under the belief that they did not.

Similarly, in the U.S., many divorce lawyers have reported an increased influence of social media in divorce. In fact, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, reported that, since 2005, more than 80% of divorce attorneys found that social media was playing an increasing role in divorce cases. Social media appears to be here for the long haul and its presence is likely to continue to contribute to the end of many marriages.

While no one wants to be in the position of having to meet with a Macomb County divorce lawyer, the fact is that divorce is often times the best option to regaining happiness. Rather than staying in a doomed marriage, anyone considering divorce should speak with a divorce attorney to assess their unique situation. At Iafrate & Salassa, we work with divorcing couples on a daily basis and while we cannot make the decision to file for divorce for you, we can help you better understand all of your options. Please contact us today at (586) 263-1600 or click here to schedule a free consultation.