Facebook Linked To One In Five Divorces In US

An anonymous reader writes "yes, in theory if you're single, Facebook can help you meet that special someone. But for those in even the healthiest of marriages, improper use can quickly devolve into a marital disaster. A recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that Facebook is cited in one in five divorces in the United States. Also, more than 80 percent of divorce lawyers reported a rising number of people are using social media to engage in extramarital affairs."

Re:It's not facebook's fault you're a jerk

[Anonymous Monkey]

It's not quite that simple. Adults tend to become attached to the person of the opposite sex that they spend the most time with. Before facebook and e-mail it was fairly obvious to see who you were spending time with. Now we have tools that make it unnecessary to be physically with some one to feel like you are with them. This can be deceptive for everyone involved. It starts with "I'm not cheating on my wife, I'm must checking an old girlfriends facebook page." But ends up with more personal conversations being had over facebook than in real life with your wife. And it's more deceptive than letters, because if you are writing letters you must get out paper, a pen, an envelope and a stamp, sit down and write, making it obvious how much time you are investing. However, for many people facebook is only as far away as alt-tab, so the amount of time you spend on it isn't as obvious.

Re:And how many are linked to cars?

[vux984]

My wife signed up to facebook breifly, "friended" a few friends and family, and within a day or two had old boyfriends and male acquaintances trying to get in touch with her to chat etc... it was vaguely unsettling really. I'm sure some were happily adjusted in their own lives and were just interested in catching up... but it was pretty clear some of them were looking to hook up.

Its pretty easy to see how that can get out of hand.

It even seems to be a likely outcome of joining facebook from what I've seen.

And to rebutt your car analogy -- nothing like that happens you buy a new car. I'll concede that cars are also tools that are used by the unfaithful, but the car doesn't have all your exboyfriends in the backseat when you buy it.

Re:What percentage use FB again?

[Maxo-Texas]

Have to blow my mods on this one.

Turns out Lesbians have a much higher divorce rate than gay males.

So Females are involved in over 50% of divorces. (- hehe, it's a fact!)

I speculate that Females are much more likely to "pull the trigger" when unhappy than men are. This may be because of their emotional state or it could be the divorce laws favor them. In any case, Females also initiate the majority of straight marriages too.

Re:What percentage use FB again?

[realityimpaired]

There's a joke in the community that seems rather apt....

Q: What does a lesbian bring on the second date?
A: A moving van.

Sad, but true. At least in my experience... relationships do move pretty fast. Not going to turn this into a men vs. women like you seem to be trying to do, but in my experience, women do tend to be a lot less restrained emotionally than men are. Perhaps that's the reason... but I would shy away from using the word "volatile" if you know what's good for you. :)