Facebook Cited in 1 in 5 Divorces

Couples cite Facebook in one out of five US divorces, say Loyola University researchers —and 81% of divorce lawyers report a rise in cases using social networks as evidence, ZDNet reports. For cases that do make use of online evidence, Facebook is by far the biggest source, according to 66% of attorneys in a recent survey. As for the network's relationship-busting role, “we’re coming across it more and more,” says a psychologist.

On Facebook, he notes, spouses may easily transition from chatting with old friends to more intense relationships. One spouse reconnects with a high-school acquaintance, and “within a short amount of time, the sharing of personal stories can lead to a deepened sense of intimacy,” he notes. “I don’t think these people typically set out to have affairs. A lot of it is curiosity.” (More Facebook stories.)