Social media in today’s society is just a part of everyday life. People post about things they do in their daily lives. Some focus only on the good, but others are an open book on the various platforms.
For individuals who are going through a divorce, social media may seem like a good outlet. But, that’s not necessarily the case. Social media can be a two-edged sword because it’s a place to connect with a support system but it’s also a place where your words can be twisted.
Everything is permanent, even if it’s deleted
One of the most important things to remember about social media during a divorce is that everything is permanent. Even if something is deleted, there’s a chance that the post or comment in question was already archived through a screenshot. Someone could provide your ex with that screenshot, which could mean you’d have to answer for it in court.
Perceptions are important
The way a post, comment or picture is perceived is critical when you’re going through a divorce. You may share something that you think is completely innocent but it could be used differently in the divorce. For example, if you share a picture of you with a luxury sports car without any description, it may perceived that you have more money than what you claimed in the divorce.
Privacy settings matter
Privacy settings aren’t foolproof when you’re going through a divorce, but they can be important. Locking down your profiles for the duration of the divorce may be beneficial, particularly if you’re involved in a contentious divorce. Limiting who can see your posts may provide you with a little more privacy, but screenshots can still happen.
Avoiding saying anything on social media is sometimes the best option when you’re going through a divorce. Some people opt to disable their accounts for the duration of the process so they aren’t tempted to post on anything. If you opt to continue using social media, be sure to speak with your representative about what’s appropriate for your case.
