To post or not to post, that is the question.
Facebook has created a virtual stage for pouty selfies, glamorous check-ins and endless #tags. And, with over one billion active users, it’s a pretty big stage.
Facebook’s mission statement ‘give people the power…to share and express what matters to them.’
Think about what you are posting
Sharing information on Facebook can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. If you are separating from a partner or spouse then you may be tempted to updated your friends, even show off if you are happily single or loved up in a new relationship. However, there are some serious disadvantages to posting about your personal life, you could be under scrutiny and anything you post could come back to haunt you. Even if you subsequently delete a post, someone may already have taken a screen shot or saved it, making it difficult to delete your digital footprint.
The best option is to have a break from Facebook altogether. If you can’t bear to be disconnected then make sure you thoroughly review your privacy settings. If you have to post, then don’t post anything untrue, exaggerated or inconsistent. Consider when posting if you would be happy for everyone to see it, from your parents to your boss at work.
Be aware that your posts and information on your page could be used as evidence of your lifestyle and spending habits, your behaviour and parenting practice. Don’t make light hearted comments about drink, drugs or irresponsible behaviour, even if in jest. Evidence could even be gathered about a new relationship which you may have formed. It is better not to intimate a change in relationship status on your Facebook page.
Be mindful that posts could cause conflict and emotional damage. Separation is difficult enough without making it harder. Posts of new partners and children, for example, could simply antagonise an already painful situation.
Think who you are posting to
Are your Facebook friends really your friends or are they your ex-partners friends or just acquaintances? They use your Facebook as a way to get their hands on information you would rather not share.
The Family Law team at Blackadders are experienced in dealing with all issues raised in this blog. For further information contact one of our team.
Debbie Reekie
Senior Solicitor – Family Law
@FamilyLawDebbie
www.blackadders.co.uk