Jealousy and social platforms.
First things first. That above subject is, well, decidedly 21st century, isn’t it? If you would’ve mentioned something like that to your mom or dad a generation ago (even a mere handful of years ago), you would understandably have been met by a blank and uncomprehending stare.
In the “old days,” if a spouse or significant other wanted to step out on a mate and connect with another person (flirt or communicate in some clandestine way), there pretty much had to be an offsite rendezvous somewhere, say, at a coffee shop, restaurant, park or, yes, hotel.
These days, though, discreet and sometimes furtive communications can be arranged via a plethora of so-called online apps that provide for quick and secretive exchanges.
If you’re thinking Facebook right off the bat, that’s understandable, of course, given estimates that as many as a billion people or more have connected through that platform.
Now, though, a relatively new app called Snapchat is making huge inroads among online users focused on socially connecting. Snapchat has singular features that, as noted by a recent media article discussing social apps and their repercussions in the romantic realm, render it distinct from Facebook and a potent tool for fostering “flirtation and provocation.”
With Snapchat, pictures, videos and text messages are easily sent to select users and then erased within seconds.
That makes them convenient and private, and reportedly emboldens high numbers of users to, well, take a few risks.
And partners — who might also be using Snapchat — know that well. The article cited above notes that “the mostly private activity on Snapchat makes couples more uncomfortable” than the more public exchanges that occur on Facebook. The reason: Users are inclined to believe “that their foray into temptation … will be fairly risk-free.”
Many family law attorneys and judges are noting the greater degree to which Facebook use is featuring in divorce proceedings and concerning matters such as spousal support and child custody. It seems patently clear that Snapchat is also destined to become a central topic of interest in many family law matters.