Twitter users are more likely to have affairs…
A new study from the University of Missouri School of Journalism has found that frequent social media users – Twitter in particular – are more prone to infidelity, breakups and divorce. The study even recommends that people limit their use of social media in order to reduce potential conflict.
Dr. Eric Anderson, Chief Science Officer at AshleyMadison.com, the world’s most commonly used extra-marital dating site, is not surprised that people who are unhappy in their relationships turn to social media to seek satisfaction.
Sexologist and author Dr Anderson says that social media is the effect, not the cause of conflict in long term relationships. “This research finds that those who are discontented with their relationships are more likely to look elsewhere. The easiest way to meet someone else is via social media networks, whether sharing updates and flirting on Twitter, re-connecting with old flames on Facebook, or seeking an affair on AshleyMadison.com. But looking for an extra marital relationships via social media is the effect, not the cause, of relationship disharmony.”
The research notes that whilst Twitter was not intended to be a dating site, it is seen by many as a neutral platform for finding and communicating with potential lovers – despite the risk of an affair being exposed. Indeed, the incidence of social media being cited in divorce proceedings is on the rise. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers says 66% of divorces in the U.S. are linked to social media and that spouses are finding out about these extra-marital activities because the communication is visible online.
Noel Biderman, CEO and Founder of AshleyMadison.com said, “We foresaw how electronic communications would be a means for infidelity and designed AshleyMadison.com around this communications shift. The difference is we built our site to provide discretion and no ‘digital lipstick’ while most social media sites have no such protection. When our users leave our site, we will erase every communication they ever had.”
What do you think? Are you more likely to cheat now social media is in the picture? Tweet us or leave a comment below…
