Cultural trends come and go, but social media has been shown to add a level of intensity that can have serious effects on a marriage. For some people, listening to podcasts and posting comments on a given subject becomes more of an obsession than a harmless pastime. One much-discussed phenomenon is the rise of the online “manosphere,” which has garnered attention for its potential impact on relationships and marriages. A divorce lawyer has even said that he’s seen breakups caused in part by the aggressive attitudes toward women reflected in these blogs, forums and podcasts.
The manosphere is often characterized by influential content creators and podcasters who promote assertive interactions with women. Some of these messages carry undertones of misogyny, promoting a male-dominated approach to relationships. While each relationship is unique and some women prefer what might be considered as a “traditional” approach to marriage, attorney Scott Byer says clients are increasingly citing certain types of online content as factors in their divorce.
Marriages can be particularly strained when one spouse’s fundamental views or personality change significantly after the couple has wed. Along with the prevalence of social media, many things have occurred over the past several years to increase polarization on certain issues. A harsher political climate and the discord resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have made people, even within the same household, less willing to accept someone else’s beliefs.
Many devotees of the manosphere say that this environment provides a positive sense of empowerment and shared identity. They view the cultural phenomenon as a long-overdue reaction to a system that they think favors women in many respects. In fact, some men believe that they cannot get a fair shake in divorce proceedings, which heightens tensions and might make it more difficult to end a marital relationship that is no longer working.
Whatever opinion you hold on major figures within the manosphere, if you are unhappy in your marriage, it’s time to take action. Therapy can sometimes improve communication to the point where a couple finds common ground, even if they don’t agree on everything. In other cases, divorce is the best way to preserve your well-being and live the life you deserve.
Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. is the Long Island divorce leader, and our experienced New York attorneys handle all types of marriage dissolution matters. By working personally with you, we’ll develop a strategy aimed at accomplishing your particular objectives. For a consultation, please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online.