Does Facebook Contribute to Infidelity?

Posted on Aug 18, 2010 by Hofheimer Family Law

Facebook makes many things easier, like finding your friends from elementary school or reconnecting to your college roommate. Unfortunately, social media websites can also make it easier to rekindle a flame with an ex-girlfriend or start up a new relationship with a stranger, leading to infidelity and even Virginia divorce.

Facebook offers numerous ways for people to connect: instant messaging, wall posts, and even private messages. Flirting can begin innocently enough after a friend request is accepted, and progress into a real-life affair. Many people are careless about covering their tracks; in fact, a British-based extramarital dating agency reported that 41% of its members were caught having an affair through social media websites.

How to Use Facebook to Find Signs of Infidelity

On the website FacebookCheating.com, one poster tells the story of his wife, who quickly closed a browser window when he would walk in the room. He later discovered that she was busy chatting with old boyfriends. If your spouse acts suspicious when you walk in the room, either by closing out windows or closing their laptop, you may have cause for concern.

If you suspect something is going on, be sure to check your spouse’s wall for questionable posts from other men or women. It may also be a good idea to check the other person’s wall to see if your husband is leaving comments for them.

If you find evidence of cheating on Facebook and are interested in seeking a Virginia separation or divorce, a Virginia divorce lawyer can talk to you about the role of social media in divorce.

If you suspect that your husband has been unfaithful, you need an experienced Virginia divorce attorney on your side. The decision to file for divorce usually comes at the end of a long and painful journey. In addition to the emotional turmoil involved, there’s also a lot of fear and uncertainty about what the future holds. Concerns about children, mortgages, and even just paying the bills or buying groceries can easily become overwhelming.

A Virginia divorce attorney at Hofheimer Family Law Firm can examine the specifics of your case to help you decide how much support to ask for, what child custody arrangement will work best for you and your children, and how to fairly divide your marital assets. Request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.