The Role of Facebook in the Spread of Emotional Divorce: A Field Study of Married Couples in the City of Biskra

Abstract

The widespread diffusion of digital media has given rise to numerous social phenomena that have affected all components of society, particularly the family, which constitutes its fundamental social institution and plays a central role in the socialization of future generations, Among social networking platforms, Facebook has become one of the most widely used in Algeria, with most individuals owning one or more Facebook accounts. While some users regard it as a means of entertainment and leisure, others consider it an indispensable part of their daily lives, a pattern that may develop into Facebook addiction. This excessive use has contributed to the emergence of several social problems, most notably those affecting marital relationships, As husbands and wives increasingly spend considerable amounts of time on Facebook and interact with others online, excessive use may weaken marital communication and foster emotional estrangement between spouses.

Accordingly, this field study investigates the role of Facebook in the spread of emotional divorce, a phenomenon that differs from legal divorce and is often considered more detrimental because of its potential consequences for family cohesion, The study was conducted on a sample of married couples in the city of Biskra using the descriptive method. Data were collected through a questionnaire, The findings revealed that Facebook plays a role in the spread of emotional divorce through its two dimensions: marital silence and emotional estrangement.