The tremendous growth of social media has changed the way that the world communicates. Facetime and Zoom have replaced face-to-face interactions. Conversations, from routine to animated, more often take the form of texting and emails.
Communicating the birth or gender of a child to a wedding anniversary to the loss of a loved one is often posted in cyberspace to save time and increase the audience interested in that information.
A modern, yet challenging approach
The news of a marriage ending is difficult to relay for divorcing couples, whether it involves the rich and famous or everyday citizens. Enduring countless conversations with friends and families and seeing their reactions face-to-face can be mentally taxing. Why go from place to place when a couple can post something on Facebook or Twitter.
While becoming commonplace, this form of “press release” communication and topic of conversation is still relatively new and should be done within certain parameters. The most effective of these announcements have a great deal in common. They are succinct with positive and respectful words but ensure that everyone knows that the decision is well-thought-out and final.
Collaboration is key. The spouse writing the announcement should allow the other to review it. Yet, there is the possibility that rancor exists between the divorcing couple. Friends and family members can only make a bad situation worse by digging in their heels, choosing sides, and designating the hero and the villain. Some will make their choice and opinions clear in responses, memorializing them for years, decades, and longer.
More self-aware couples will point out the obvious. Social media may not be the best venue. However, it does represent the best way to get the message out quickly and effectively.
In the end, couples ending their marriages amicably are the best candidates for online divorce news. Those in heated conflicts should leave well enough alone and not create additional problems, mainly if children are involved.
