Marriage Intensives & Online Counseling | Imago Therapy – The Marriage Restoration Project

Does Facebook Really Cause Divorce?Facebook and Divorce Statistics Part II

After Facebook and Divorce Part I sparked many reactions, a number of readers asked the same question:

“Does Facebook actually cause divorce?”

It’s a fair question — and one worth exploring more deeply. While social media itself isn’t inherently destructive, it can create conditions that strain vulnerable marriages. Below you’ll find a deeper look at Facebook and divorce statistics, relationship dynamics, and why technology can amplify issues that already exist beneath the surface.

Does Facebook Really Cause Divorce? The Real Answer

Many readers commented that social media isn’t the problem — unhealthy relationships are. And that’s absolutely true. Facebook doesn’t cause jealousy, infidelity, or marital dissatisfaction.

But here’s the nuance:

Facebook doesn’t cause divorce… but it does make risky behavior more accessible.

It provides:

  • Easier access to old partners

  • Easier privacy for inappropriate conversations

  • Easier escape from marital stress

  • Easier comparison culture, which fuels jealousy and resentment

  • Easier emotional exits, where a spouse turns online instead of toward their partner

This is the heart of the issue.

Technology is a tool — neutral in itself — but its design can magnify vulnerabilities in a marriage that’s already struggling.

Why Facebook Can Feel “Dangerous” to Vulnerable Marriages

1. Emotional temptation is one click away

An old friend reaches out. A former partner likes a photo. A coworker comments.
People often slide into emotional intimacy long before anything physical occurs.

2. Comparison culture fuels insecurity

Scrolling through highlight reels can trigger jealousy, inadequacy, or resentment — especially if one partner is already feeling unseen or disconnected at home.

3. Private messaging creates secrecy

When communication moves to private chats, blurred boundaries become easier — and emotional infidelity can begin subtly.

4. It becomes an emotional exit

Instead of turning toward the marriage, spouses may scroll, escape, or seek validation elsewhere.

None of this means Facebook “causes” the behavior.
But it facilitates it — often without the user realizing how far they’ve drifted.

Why This Conversation Matters for All Communities

Some readers assumed this discussion was directed solely at the Orthodox community, where gender boundaries and laws of speech are already well-defined.

But the original article — and this follow-up — speaks to all marriages, regardless of:

  • religious background

  • culture

  • age

  • lifestyle

Since publishing, many people (from all walks of life) have reached out saying Facebook has negatively impacted their marriage — sometimes becoming a hidden wedge between spouses.

The patterns are universal.

Healthy Marriages Are the Real Protection — Not Technology Rules

The root problem isn’t Facebook.

It’s:

  • emotional disconnection

  • lack of boundaries

  • unaddressed conflict

  • loneliness inside the relationship

  • low self-worth or unmet needs

  • avoidance of difficult conversations

Technology simply amplifies what already exists.

When couples build healthy communication, clear boundaries, and a strong emotional connection, Facebook poses far less risk.

So Does Facebook Cause Divorce? A Clear Summary

Facebook makes problematic behaviors easier.

Easier access, easier secrecy, easier comparison, easier emotional exits.

Your best defense?

Strengthen the relationship, maintain boundaries, and stay conscious of how social media affects emotional safety.

Your marriage is sacred — and worth protecting.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook doesn’t cause divorce, but it can accelerate existing vulnerabilities in struggling marriages.

  • Social media increases convenience for secrecy, comparison, and emotional connection outside the relationship.

  • The healthiest safeguard isn’t deleting Facebook — it’s strengthening the relationship itself.

  • Clear boundaries and open communication reduce the risk of social-media-related conflict.

  • Couples who struggle with jealousy or online boundaries often benefit from structured support.

FAQs About Facebook, Marriage, and Divorce

1. Is Facebook mentioned in actual divorce cases?

Yes. Many attorneys report Facebook activity as a factor in conflicts, evidence, or emotional affairs.

2. Why does social media feel threatening in a marriage?

It creates hidden spaces for emotional connection outside the relationship, which can feel like betrayal even if no physical affair occurs.

3. Should couples have shared passwords or rules?

This varies. The real issue is transparency, not surveillance.

4. What’s the best way to set social media boundaries?

Discuss together:

  • What feels comfortable

  • What crosses a line

  • What transparency means

  • How to protect emotional safety

5. When is it time to seek help?

If Facebook is creating secrecy, conflict, emotional withdrawal, or jealousy, it’s worth addressing in counseling.

Sources

  1. Clayton, R. B., Nagurney, A., & Smith, J. R. (2013). Cheating, Breakup, and Divorce: Is Facebook Use to Blame? Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(10), 717–720.

  2. Valenzuela, S., Halpern, D., & Katz, J. (2014). Social Network Sites, Marriage Well-Being and Divorce: Survey and State-Level Evidence from the United States. Computers in Human Behavior, 36, 94–101.

  3. University of Missouri School of Journalism (2013). Excessive Facebook Use Can Damage Relationships.

  4. Clayton, R. B. (2014). The Third Wheel: The Impact of Twitter Use on Relationship Infidelity and Divorce.

  5. Rus, H. M., & Tiemensma, J. (2017). “It’s Complicated”: A Systematic Review of Associations Between Social Network Site Use and Romantic Relationships. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 684–694.

  6. Kamal, N. M., et al. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review on Consequences of Social Media Use on Intimate Relationships. Compendium of Papers in Asia.

Picture of Shlomo & Rivka Slatkin

Shlomo & Rivka Slatkin

Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin is an Imago relationship therapist and certified (master level) Imago workshop presenter with over 20 years of experience hosting couples therapy retreats in-person and online.

Picture of Shlomo & Rivka Slatkin

Shlomo & Rivka Slatkin

Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin is an Imago relationship therapist and certified (master level) Imago workshop presenter with over 20 years of experience hosting couples therapy retreats in-person and online.

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