Social media is here to stay, emerging in the past two decades as a popular choice of communication for many. Some people simply prefer this platform that can connect neighbors and long-lost friends or relatives who live miles away. These descriptions represent some of the good qualities of social media.
However, there are drawbacks, too, including oversharing personal information, displaying hateful and disrespectful opinions, cyberbullying as well as criminal behavior. When combining social media with a less-than-amicable divorce, any one of these missteps can surface. The result often is well-deserved punishment in the courtroom.
Cyberbullying, boasting and lying
It is understandable that you are hurt and angry because your marriage faltered. However, it is not a good idea to share your frustrations about your estranged spouse on social media. You may think that you are throwing “bombs” from a safe distance, but these statements are on platforms for all to see. This group includes prosecutors and judges.
When going through a divorce, here are some things to avoid posting on social media:
- Harassments and threats: Making promises to exact revenge on your estranged spouse will land you in serious trouble. Such threats and cyberbullying are not taken lightly. As a result, you may find yourself not only in civil court for divorce, but in criminal court facing incarceration.
- Lies about your spouse: Your circle of family and friends knows the truth, so promoting lies is counterproductive. Doing so only harms your standing in divorce court, potentially affecting child custody and visitation.
- Excessive boasting: Are you trying to make your estranged spouse jealous by flaunting your new partner, flashing around all that money and taking exotic trips? Get real. Such moves can only be detrimental for you in the long run. These also represent evidence of hidden assets.
- Intimate and personal information about your spouse: Yikes! If your goal is humiliating your estranged spouse, you likely accomplished it. In the meantime, you also are embarrassing yourself, proving that you are a cruel and untrustworthy individual.
Of course, a divorce situation is difficult. You can navigate these murky and troubled waters and come out OK. However, it is best to abide by polite behavior in life and on social media. Do not let an emotional mistake come back to haunt you.