Social media’s impact on relationships and family law cases in Oklahoma
In today’s world, our phones are a vital part of our everyday lives. In a quick search, we have access to different people, places, and information that was not as readily available 20 years ago. Several studies conducted in the last few years have found that use of social media can directly affect the quality of marriage and other domestic relationships.
Effects of social media in marriages and domestic partnerships
While social media has made it easier to maintain relationships with other people in your life, it is worth noting that it may be taking a toll on your marriage, domestic relationship, or co-parenting relationship. Here are some ways you can minimize the effects of social media on your real-life relationships:
When it comes to your partnerships, whether it be a marriage or a domestic partnership, what you don’t post can be just as impactful as what you do. While this may seem silly, failing to acknowledge your significant other in a social media post can be interpreted as, whether unintentional or purposeful, hurtful to your significant other. Your partner may feel more secure if you use more inclusive pronouns, such as “we” or “us” when describing events in your daily life.
Every domestic relationship has its tough times. It is not uncommon for a person to rely on social media as an outlet for relationship struggles. Most people have a small group of friends or family they can trust. Most social media friends are not within a person’s immediate circle of trust. Airing frustrations about a partner or relationship online can cause deeper issues within the relationship. It is always best to leave the inner workings of your relationship offline.
Social media has become an ever-present part of daily life, making it difficult to log off and focus on your in-person loved ones. While social media activity is often harmless, it can open the door to jealousy and mistrust within your relationship. It is important to minimize the amount of time spent on social media and while prioritizing in-person connection with your partner.
Social media and family law proceedings
A recent survey of two-thousand couples, conducted in the UK, showed that social media played a significant role in seven divorce filings. If you are facing a family law proceeding, such as a divorce or child custody, you should expect to have high scrutiny placed on you by the other party. Any postings or activity can be used in court as evidence against you in these cases. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are facing a family law proceedings.
Be cautious of what you post online during these proceedings. The opposing counsel will likely be monitoring your social media activity throughout the duration of the case and these postings and activities can be used against you to advance the other party’s case.
Monitor the comments you receive on your pictures and posts on social media. Be sure that none of your friends post any comments or photos that could potentially paint you in a bad light.
Not everything that you post is private. People in domestic relationships often share mutual friends. When that relationship breaks, some mutual friends may not be in your corner. Being careful on social media is always the best option, because it only takes one of those mutual connections to leak damaging information to the other party.
Navigating family law cases can be difficult to do alone. Let one of our experienced attorneys walk you through the process. Contact us for your FREE consultation and let us help you understand how social media use can affect your case.