Facebook Use Could Be Harmful to Your Relationship—New Study Says

By Leslie Fineberg on June 26, 2013

Facebook use and divorce are linked in a new study soon to be published in the Journal of Cyber Psychology, Behavior and Social Networking. Excessive use of Facebook can lead to conflict with one’s romantic partner. As reported by The Huffington Post, excessive use is defined by researchers as checking Facebook more than once an hour. The conflict created may result in negative relationship consequences which can encompass physical or emotional cheating, separation, and ultimately divorce.

205 Facebook users were surveyed about their use of the Facebook social media site and whether that use had caused conflicts either with current or with former romantic partners. Researchers from three universities conducted the study—the University of Hawaii at Hilo, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Participants in the survey were between 18 and 82 years of age.

According to Russell Clayton from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Facebook use can promote jealousy and can cause arguments regarding past romantic partners. The more someone uses Facebook, the more likely that person is to rigorously monitor his or her partner’s Facebook activity.

The study also found that those who use Facebook excessively are more likely to reconnect with former romantic partners leading to physical or emotional cheating. The greatest impact was discovered to be on couples who had been together three years or fewer. Especially for these couples, Clayton recommends using Facebook in moderation until a relationship of trust has been established.

Family law attorneys like those at the Chicago family law firm of Nottage and Ward know this is not the first time that use of social media has been linked to divorce. If divorce is in your future, our attorneys can step in to help facilitate what can be a complex process. Financial matters can be complicated to deal with, and child custody matters can be difficult to settle. Please call (312) 332-2915 for answers to all you legal questions regarding an impending divorce.