Several studies have linked social media to relationship or marriage problems. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter have users that often mislead or influence people on how their spouses should behave or what they should look like. It also provides the easiest avenue for people to flirt with others, making it easier to commit infidelity. Furthermore, social media can also increase communication issues in relationships by providing a medium to air grievances and irritations instead of resolving them through face-to-face dialogue. If you are in a relationship or going through a divorce in North Carolina, it’s important to understand how social media can affect you or even how to use it better to avoid both legal and intimate problems.
How social media can hurt you
In the past, you could post anything you were thinking or doing on social media, which wouldn’t have affected any court proceedings or investigations. After all, every citizen in the United States has freedom of speech and expression. However, today, lawyers or prosecutors can pull up your social media posts and use them as evidence in court. This could be potentially devastating if you posted something that would jeopardize your relationship with your spouse or even have any insinuations of infidelity.
In addition, using social media can also hurt you financially when going through a divorce. North Carolina is one of the 41 states that bases alimony payments on the income of both spouses involved. If you’re living beyond what’s reasonable for someone who has gone through a divorce, this could cause the judge to re-evaluate how much money should go towards alimony and child support payments. If you post yourself enjoying vacations, jewelry or expensive clothing, all of which hint at enjoying a lifestyle beyond what you can afford, it could tip the scales in your spouse’s favor.
Social media is a free platform, and yes, you have the right to do or say whatever you want, but if you are going through a divorce, it may be a good idea to use it carefully. You may consider limiting your activities online and refraining from posting anything that could hurt you or your loved ones in court.