Social network sites blamed for breakdown of marriages

Social network sites like Facebook and Twitter have been held responsible for extramarital affairs leading to the breakdown of marriages.

And in a bid to 'prevent broken marriages' the Malacca state government is planning to have a counselling session for married couples.

State Woman, Family Development and Welfare Committee chairman Datuk Norpipah Abdol said the proposed counselling session would address the negative impact of social networking.

“Online social media is a great way to connect with people and families but as we engage with others online, we must always remember to live within boundaries,” the Star Online quoted Abdol as saying.

“It's the only way to protect our marriage,” she added.

“We can't prevent married couples from having Facebook and Twitter accounts. We want to tell them their limitations and not to antagonise their partners.

“We are designing a module to emphasise how they can use social networks to strengthen the family institution and not indulge in cyber love affairs that could break up their marriage,” she added.

She said the counselling session would also encourage couples to use social media to have a stronger bond with their spouses instead.