Does social media create serious relationship problems?

A new survey out of the U.K. found that more than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook, according to Divorce Online, a  legal services firm. 

“Affairs happen with a lightning speed on Facebook,” K. Jason Krafsky, who co-authored Facebook and Your Marriage with wife Kelli, told SmartMoney.

“It puts temptation in the path of people who would never in a million years risk having an affair.”

In fact, research revealed that 80 percent of U.S. divorce lawyers claim to have seen an increase in the number of separation cases using social networking.

“I see Facebook issues breaking up marriages all the time,” divorce attorney, Gary Traystman told the publication.

How can a social networking site have such a negative impact on relationships? First, it allows users to easily catch up with old flames – which can cause old feelings to surface. It’s also easy to exchange messages and start an “emotional affair” while rationalizing that you aren’t physically doing anything inappropriate.

“The initial intention may be harmless but as time progresses, intentions may begin to shift and enter dangerous territory. What started out as just getting to know a coworker can easily escalate to sending lengthy, intimate messages,” writes one blogger.

What do you think? Do you know any couples who have split up because of Facebook?