NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jun 24, 2015) - With national divorce rates steadily declining over the past twenty years, a prominent New York divorce attorney is cautioning this trend could soon change as social media use continues to be an integral part of our lives.
Citing a 2014 study in Computers in Human Behavior, as well as case studies within his own practice, attorney Brian D. Perskin says that Facebook and other similar social media platforms have often been a contributing factor to marital break-ups in recent years.
"We're seeing instances where social media is playing a role in exacerbating already-strained relationships," says Perskin, who has been practicing family law in the New York City area for over 23 years.
"Whether it's someone reconnecting with an old flame on Facebook or engaging in other secretive online activities, marital problems can often be compounded when a spouse begins to forge virtual relationships with members of the opposite sex," he adds.
This phenomenon doesn't appear to be isolated to the United States either. Earlier this month, results of a study reported that China's divorce rates have steadily climbed since 2004 and social media apps such as WeChat and Momo were cited as catalysts. The findings were published in the Chinese magazine, Banyuetan.
Perskin says that transparency is the key to preventing conflict and if couples are having marital problems, sometimes it is best to temporarily take a break from all social media activities.
"If a couple desires to restore a strained or broken relationship, a timeout from Facebook and other social media sites is advisable," he says. "This will help build trust and allow couples to focus on restoring their relationship before opting for a separation or divorce."
In addition, social media is playing another role as it relates to family law. In a landmark decision back in April, a Manhattan Supreme Court Justice ruled that a spouse was permitted to serve her elusive husband with divorce papers through Facebook.
Perskin said it is only a matter of time before social media becomes even more influential on our personal relationships and how we interact with others.
"As social media use continues to increase, the more we can expect it to affect our personal relationships with others," he concludes.
For more information on these and other family law matters, visit http://www.newyorkdivorceattorney.com .
Contact Information:
Brian Perskin
212-355-0887