Net, SMS take a toll on married life

Technology seems to have taken a toll on marriage with the growth of text messaging and popularity of internet reunion sites leading to a rise in divorce rates.

Technology seems to have taken a toll on marriage with the growth of text messaging and popularity of internet reunion sites leading to a rise in divorce rates.

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According to the Independent, figures released by Office of National Statistics revealed that there were 153,490 divorces in England and Wales last year, a rise of 5,755 over the previous year and the third successive annual increase.

Relate, the marriage guidance body, said that about 10 per cent of all its cases were now influenced by the internet since people find it easier to have affairs than before, by using text messages and e-mails for discreet communication.

The internet and huge growth of Friends Reunited, which now allows people to search for individuals whether or not they were at school or work with them, has helped people to regain contact with former friends and lovers, often leading to the breakdown of their existing relationship.

"The internet has had a big impact and is influencing a number of affairs. People sit in front of their computers all day and use their spare time to find out what happened to old flames or embark on something new; it makes it all very easy," Christine Northam, a senior counsellor for Relate was quoted as saying.