Originally created to connect Harvard students to each other, Facebook has evolved into a global networking platform. It allows people to create visible profiles for anyone to discover and provides instant access to others. This makes it a common space for people to connect and even pursue romantic interests. Unfortunately, much of Facebook’s activity is also in pursuit of an extramarital relationship, including reconnecting with old flames. If you have suspicions about your partner, you may feel compelled to investigate on your own. However, you should follow our expert tips to ensure you investigate cheating on Facebook in a legal manner.
Why Cheating on Facebook is Common
Facebook has remained one of the most well-known social media platforms since its launch in 2004. Not only is Facebook globally accessible, but it has also implemented features that make online connection even better. Facebook Messenger allows users to send an initial message to any profile. Messages will either be categorized into the main inbox or the “Message Request” folder, which is more hidden. Cheating on Facebook can’t be facilitated by disappearing messages like on Snapchat. Instead, users have to manually delete cheating messages or entire threads.
Moreover, Facebook’s Groups allow users to create online communities centered around niche interests or pursuits. Many Groups are also tailored to specific locations. It is a common method of discovering new friends and dating interests. Lastly, Facebook has a variety of customizable features that allow users to choose which friends can see their posts, stories, and elements of their profile.
Signs of Cheating on Facebook
Cheating on Facebook is not a simple task. People must deceive their partners, engage with a romantic interest outside of their relationship, and cover their tracks. There will always be emotional responses and sudden shifts in behavior or device activity that are glaring red flags. Experts have listed the following signs of a significant other’s cheating on Facebook that you should be on the lookout for.
Excessive Use of Facebook Messenger
Your partner suddenly increasing their usage of Facebook Messenger is something to take note of. Try paying attention to their phone use. You can keep tabs on what apps they spend time on and how frequently. With consensual access to their phone, you can also check their daily or weekly app usage.
Deleted or Unsent Messages
Facebook cheating wives and husbands will delete threads or singular messages that are too incriminating. You may notice inconsistencies in message dates and times compared with observed phone activity. Gaps and incoherent conversations can also be discovered when some cheating messages have been deleted or unsent. Unsent messages are clearly marked as “Unsent”, making these discrepancies easier to identify.
Avoiding Photos or Tags with You
On many platforms, it’s a subtle red flag if your partner avoids sharing photos with you or tagging you. Facebook cheating wives or husbands are sometimes afraid of their lover discovering that they are in a relationship.
Suddenly Protective Over Their Device
We guard our phones to protect our privacy. However, in a marriage, there shouldn’t be any secrets. Partners that abruptly guard their phones or change their lock passcode are suspect. They may even face their phone down when sitting in a visible location. This allows texts to come through without anyone noticing.
More Emotional Distance
Unfaithful partners split their energy and time between having an affair and their partner. They may be mentally drained from dividing their attention between two different people, leading to emotional unavailability. A guilty conscience can also lead to emotional withdrawal or overcompensation by providing more gifts and affection.
Inconsistent Stories or Behavior
Unfaithful partners always change their behavior when they start cheating on Facebook or in person. It may be in subtle or glaring ways. One of the biggest red flags to look for is inconsistent stories. Cheating partners will create excuses and stories to cover up their activities. It’s important to take note of these stories to understand when they contradict themselves. Here are some stories or excuses that partners commonly use when cheating on Facebook.
- “I’m meeting a friend at the bar.”
- “An old friend messaged me on Facebook.”
- “I have to travel for work this week.”
- “I like to go to the gym every night.”
How to Catch Cheaters on Facebook
While suspicions of cheating on Facebook linger, you may not always find incriminating evidence of the act. In many cases, you may discover warning signs that are worth bringing up to your significant other. If you are given consensual access to your partner’s phone, you can look through messages and Facebook activity. However, there are other ways you can look for proof of infidelity. Take note of the following indicators that Facebook is being used for cheating.
- Look at messages and requests. With consent, Facebook Messenger is where you will find evidence of cheating messages. You can also discover if ex-partners or suspicious connections have been in contact with your significant other recently.
- Secondary accounts. Your significant other having a second account is suspicious. However, a second account alone isn’t hard evidence. It is something that you can bring up to your significant other to assess their response.
- Check their friends list for questionable connections. Old flames that suddenly pop up on your significant other’s Facebook friend list can raise concern. This alone isn’t proof of wrongdoing. However, it may point you in the right direction of the person with whom they are involved.
- Inspect the activity log. The Facebook activity log records almost all actions performed by an account owner. With consent, you can look through the activity log to get a better idea of what your significant other has been up to. You can use the activity log to see received friend requests, search history, comments, posts, logins, etc.
Open Communication is Your Best Tool
While it’s tempting to investigate for answers, the best way to relieve your suspicions is to have a conversation. You can use all your gathered intel, like red flags noticed or Facebook activity, as talking points. Many significant others will reject the presented concerns initially. However, they may open up more if you bring up specific observations.
Furthermore, you can also evaluate their response. Depending on how your partner chooses to react, it can reveal a lot about their emotional state. Getting defensive or flipping the accusation onto you are common behaviors of unfaithful partners. Open and honest conversations can be extremely effective, but they need to be handled with emotional intelligence.
Investigating Cheating on Facebook the Legal and Smart Way
Suspicions of infidelity can drive a person to desperate acts for answers, sometimes leading them to break the law. We heavily advise against any illegal actions to investigate cheating on Facebook. Such actions can result in devastating legal consequences, including lawsuits. Things like accessing a device without consent or hacking are punishable by law.
If you want expert help to investigate potential cheating on Facebook, cybersecurity firms can help. These experts are well-versed in legal compliance and how to use digital forensics for infidelity investigations. Cyber Investigation Inc., in particular, specializes in uncovering digital evidence where they can — including deleted data. Whether you want closure from an investigation or just expert advice, contact our Infidelity Hotline today.
