It has become an all-too-familiar sight that we see all day, every day—someone staring at their smartphone and either reading another’s thoughts on a social media platform (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), posting their response, or taking selfies and/or pictures to accompany said posts. While social media can be a fun and exciting way to stay informed, communicate or stay in touch with friends and family, it is important to understand how the words and/or images you post today could come back to haunt you in court.
The next time you decide to press “send” on that snarky, expletive-riddled or threatening text or email to your former partner, think about that message being read aloud in open court. Or how those racy pictures with your new flame will look in print or projected on a screen.