Research Shows Divorce Is Socially Contagious Through Friend Networks

What was said

"People are 75% more likely to become divorced if a friend is divorced and 33% more likely to divorce if a friend of a friend is divorced. So, other words, divorce is one of those major life decisions that many people outsource in a way. You know, they look to their friends for validation before they do it themselves."

Walsh cites research showing divorce spreads through social networks in measurable ways, with dramatic increases in divorce likelihood based on proximity to divorced individuals. He argues this represents decision-making by committee, particularly among women, and suggests social media amplifies this contagion effect by creating global networks where divorced individuals can find validation and encouragement from strangers.