The use of social media as a method of interaction with family and friends is growing each passing day. Unlike other global trends this one has seen a more than anticipated rise in Pakistan. With 3G network and low price smartphones readily available, social media is not just confined to a screen in the corner of the room, it is an omnipresent paradigm, accessible even when out and about. In recent years, the prevalent security situation has driven many Pakistanis to this alternate reality. Social media interactions are considered safe escapism, but are they really?

On a separate note, an upshot in relationship breakdown and soaring divorce rates is being witnessed globally. Several newspapers articles confirm similar trends in all segments of the socially stratified Pakistani society. This brings us to the conjecture, is there a link between the use of social media and growing discord?

 Through research done mostly in the OECD countries, the detrimental effects of social media are becoming apparent. Earlier this year it was revealed that people are now more likely to make new friends online than in real life. The same goes for choosing a partner/spouse. This fact may seem trivial to the youth, as courtesy social networking, they have never been as exposed to such high numbers of acquaintances and that too ubiquitously.  However, it was a more recent research carried out in the UK of which the results are far more telling.

A survey of 2,000 people was conducted by the family law firm Slater and Gordan [1]. It highlights that about 14% people have contemplated divorce because of their partner’s activity on social media.

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