A new study has identified Facebook as a home wrecker, in addition to the usual warning signs of a relationship ending, such as constant fighting and a shrinking sex life.
Users of social media were found to be more likely to change their relationship status to “single” as a result of using the site, according to Boston University research. It found that the divorce rate increased by 2.18 percent in each state in the United States for every 20 percent increase in Facebook users. But Brisbane City Psychologists’ Dr Tracey Hunter said frequent social media use was more a symptom of relationship problems rather than a cause. According to Hunter, “it would be somewhat inaccurate to say that social media causes divorce. Instead, people who are already experiencing disconnection or lack of intimacy within their relationship are more likely to turn more frequently to social media.” She said it could be a way to distract from the distance in a relationship or as a way to have intimacy needs partially met. “(It) has the potential to make other romantic options seem more appealing, since people can project a more positively skewed image of themselves online, versus the real- life partner – warts and all.”
However, even if a partner uses social media in a responsible manner, excessive use can be harmful. “A lot of my clients who are unhappy with their partner’s lack of intimacy also tell me that their partner is always on Facebook, etc., even when they are together. “Or that they found messages that concerned them in their partner’s inbox from or to an unknown membe
