Feuding couples lead rise in online slander

Ease of using new media cited as a cause of shift in behavior

Disgruntled divorcees are increasingly turning to the Internet to vent about their ex-partners, leading to a sharp rise in lawsuits in online defamation, according to judges.

Although allegations of slander and libel are nothing new between former lovers, legal experts and psychologists say the Internet, and the ease with which it can be used, has caused a shift in behavior.