The overall stigma that once surrounded divorce has decreased steadily over the years. Even so, the process is an intensely personal matter that many families often wish to keep private – but is social media changing that perspective?
More people are sharing their stories
People of all ages in North Carolina are active on social media. Where it was once advised to keep personal information offline at all costs, now it is not uncommon for people to share incredibly personal things on the internet. As U.S. News & World Report explains, that now includes divorce.
An increasing amount of people are sharing their divorce stories and experiences on social media. Many of these posts, often videos, go into detail about situations within the marriage as well as the emotional process of ending the relationship. These posts gain quite a bit of attention across platforms.
Some people may view these posts as freeing. They can let others experiencing divorce know they are not alone.
But be aware: Sharing comes with risks
As you may know, posting anything online comes with a certain level of risk. These dangers only increase when what is posted discusses legal details, such as your divorce.
There may be no law against posting these personal experiences on social media, but that does not necessarily mean it is always a good idea. In fact, social media posts have the potential to affect your divorce proceedings and even child custody negotiations.
It is generally a good idea to tighten your online security before, during and even after your divorce. To do this, it can help to take steps such as:
- Adjusting all accounts so they are private
- Limiting or altogether avoiding posting during the process of your divorce
- Clarifying boundaries with friends and family about your digital footprint
Even if there is far less stigma around divorce nowadays, keeping your personal – and legal – matters private can be an essential step to protect yourself. Understanding the risk and taking precautions can help you avoid unexpected challenges throughout the process.