At least once a day, you likely pick up your phone to scroll through social media. You check on your friends and family, peruse the news and perhaps even share your thoughts. This is normal behavior nowadays. Though, if you are seeking a divorce, you may wish to reevaluate the use of social media.
In a past blog post, we discussed how, if you pursue a divorce, you should be very careful with what you post on social media. However, it is not just what you post that could create issues during the process of your divorce.
What else should you watch for on social media?
As you well know, posting your thoughts or recent photos is not nearly the only thing you do on social media. You should also take care to address:
- What you like or comment: In many cases, your followers can see what posts you like or comments you leave. For example, a recent Instagram feature actively tries to show your followers the videos you like. So, even if you do not directly post about your divorce, if you were to like a post disparaging an ex-spouse it could potentially lead to issues or concerns in a divorce.
- What friends and family post: While you should avoid posting about your divorce, your family and friends should do so as well. It may be beneficial to speak with your loved ones ahead of your divorce, requesting them not to mention you on social media or even tag you in photos during the divorce proceedings.
- How long you spend on social media: It is common to hear about the correlations between poor mental health and social media use. While it is not definitive, many studies show that scrolling through social media can significantly impact feelings of anxiety or depression – and not just in teenagers. The life-changing event of a divorce can already affect your mental health. It may be beneficial to take a step back from social media as well, as you focus on your future and well-being.
It is better to be cautious when it comes to social media, especially as you approach a divorce. After all, any actions in the digital world can impact the real world.