When Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced the end of their 27-year marriage last year, it was largely framed as an amicable split. Recently, however, one Instagram “like” sent the entire narrative into question. Last month, content creator Tasha Lustig posted a video claiming that Jackman had allegedly “blindsided” Furness by revealing his affair with actress Sutton Foster.
The response to Furness’ seemingly benign “like” shows that anything on social media can snowball. Credit: Carl Timpone According to US Weekly , Furness “liked” the video from her private account. This interaction, whether intentional or not, appeared to confirm Jackman’s rumoured infidelity.
For many, the temptation to share cryptic “likes” and updates, or to check ex-partners’ accounts after a separation is difficult to resist. But can social media be used in a constructive way during a break-up or should it be avoided? Follow or unfollow? While every break-up is different, sex and relationship therapist Mim Kempson says it’s often useful to mute your ex online, at least during the early healing stages. “Social media posts or stories never really show the full picture.
Many of us are prone to magnifying or assuming what’s going on in the other person’s life,” Kempson says. “If you’re prone to anxiety or over-thinking, it’s rarely going to be helpful having that social media exposure.” Muting or hiding is often preferable since your ex won’t know what you’ve done, Kempson notes.
Blocking or unfollowing can seem like more of a statement or a passive-aggressive dig. If you feel the need to remove them from your account permanently, Kempson suggests sending a simple, respectful message explaining your decision..
Health
The power of a ‘like’: How to navigate social media after divorce
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’ separation was largely framed as an amicable split. Then a single Instagram “like” fuelled infidelity rumours.