Dear Abby: My husband and I have contrasting views on social media; he is very active on it, while I prefer to stay away. I have steered clear of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other platforms for the past five years because I found them to be a significant source of stress for me. Distancing myself from social media has had a positive impact on my well-being.

My dilemma is that my husband spends most of his day on social media, engaging in what is known as “doomscrolling,” which only worsens his mood. What bothers me the most is that he frequently tries to involve me in it. He insists on sharing posts with me or reading them aloud, expecting me to join in his negative emotional state. How can I communicate to him that I am not interested? I have already expressed my disinterest in hearing about it and made it clear that if I were, I would have my own social media accounts. — Unplugged in Michigan

Dear Unplugged: The next time your husband attempts to involve you in his social media activities, have a candid conversation with him about how it affects you negatively. Explain that you disconnected from social media because you recognized its detrimental effects on your emotional and physical well-being. Intense and often distressing news can lead to an increase in blood pressure, for example. Clearly communicate to him that you disapprove of the impact his social media addiction has on his behavior and request that he refrains from involving you in it. Let him know that if he persists, you will remove yourself from the situation by leaving the room or the house. Be prepared to follow through with your action.

DEAR ABBY: My brother and his wife have been married for 22 years. He has always been the breadwinner. She stayed home with their three kids, which made it possible for them to raise a family. He followed his career, which involved a lot of travel. My sister-in-law and I had a heart-to-heart when they were first married about whether this was a good arrangement because it left her vulnerable, but she was sure my brother saw her as an equal partner. It turns out she was wrong. 

Their marriage has become shaky, and he now says he’s going to get “screwed” if they divorce because his wife will take “his” money. She raised their kids and ran the house without help, and now he’s saying none of that was important work. Any judge would give her alimony, but he is filled with resentment, and it’s making the situation harder. 

I have tried talking with my brother; he accuses me of being on her side. They are in therapy, but he’s being so mean that I can hardly look at him now. How can I help my brother understand that she did a lot of the work that made it possible for him to have his job? — SISTER SEES IT CLEARLY

DEAR SISTER: Let your brother’s attorney and the family law judge explain the facts of life to your brother. He is filled with anger and greed right now and not thinking rationally. You are not going to win the disagreement you are having with him, so for your own sake, back off. I can only offer my sympathy to your sister-in-law.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.