You may consider Facebook as a connection facilitator. The tool can be used to help maintain distant relationships. If you have relatives in another state or country, for example, Facebook can help you stay updated about what is going on in their lives. However, new sources suggest that this online social media tool can actually hurt romantic relationships, leading to divorce in some cases.

The Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking will soon publish the findings of the Facebook study. The research indicates that those who use Facebook regularly may be susceptible to Facebook-related conflict with their partners. Moreover, this activity could lead to infidelity, a split or divorce.

In the study, researchers evaluated hundreds of Facebook users between ages 18 and 82. Of those surveyed, almost 80 percent were involved in a relationship. Respondents provided information about the use of Facebook and whether it had created issues within their current or previous relationships.

The study found a link between one’s use of the website and relationship trouble. Regular users were more likely to monitor their partner’s use closely. This practice can lead to jealousy and trust issues. One might witness the connections that are made online. Moreover, frequent use can also connect individuals with other Facebook users. This can lead to communication with old flames or potential suitors, and such activity can evolve into emotional or physical cheating.

Ultimately, the study found that the connection between website use and negative relationship outcomes was more prominent in newer relationships. Nevertheless, the website can pose a risk to any relationship involving regular Facebookers.

In this age, relationships and friendships are often created in the virtual environment. However, similarly, connections can be broken in this very way. This study is not the first that has connected Facebook use to ending relationships. In 2012, attorneys surveyed by Divorce-Online UK indicated that the website was implicated in approximately 33 percent of divorce cases in the prior year.

If you believe that your relationship status will soon change – online and in the law – it may be time to speak with a divorce attorney. A divorce case can involve several matters, including property division, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support. These are just a few issues; however, your specific case will depend on your personal, unique situation. To learn more about your legal responsibilities and rights, take the time to contact an experienced family law attorney in your area.