In today’s modern world, social media plays a huge part in all our lives. After experiencing a loss it can be incredibly hard to navigate these platforms. Whether you are using social media to announce the passing of a loved one, to express grief, find out about grief support or manage a deceased’s online presence, it can all feel a bit too much sometimes. Many funeral directors, like us at Levertons, are now offering services to help and create free social media notices so it is easier to share information about funerals and memorials.
In this blog we will look at the ways in which social media can be used after a loss, and what happens to a loved one’s accounts when they pass away. We will also include some tips on how to prepare your own digital legacy to ensure your online presence is handled how you would have wanted.
Using Social Media After A Loss
The hardest thing after losing someone is how to tell the world that they have died. Long gone are the days when notices would be in the local paper, people often now turn to social media to share this news. Social media platforms can be used in a number of ways after a loss, and can help bring people together again:
1. Announcements & funeral details
Many people use social media to let people know a loved one has died. A post can include information about the passing (within reason), details of the funeral, and an invitation to family and friends. This can be a much quicker, easier way of letting people know without having to pick up the phone and deal with people expressing their grief.
2. Sharing memories & tributes
Social media used appropriately is a good platform for family and friends to come together and share memories & photos of the deceased. Creating a dedicated group or page in honour of the deceased can help keep their memory alive. Some platforms will even turn the original profile of the deceased into a memorial page, the next of kin just have to send a copy of the death certificate to the social media owner.
3. Online memorial services
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of families have started hosting virtual memorial services, particularly for people who cannot attend in person. Social media platforms allow for memorials to be streamed online, and funeral directors may also help with broadcasting services on social media.
4. Creating a legacy page
Some social media platforms, like Facebook, allow for profiles of the deceased to be memorialised and therefore become a tribute where friends and family can leave messages.
Free Online Notices From Funeral Directors
Here at Levertons, we have started offering free online notices as part of our services. These are posted both on our website and shared via our social media platforms, making it easier for families to spread the word about the deceased as well as the funeral service if they wish.
Our online funeral notices typically include:
- Information that the person has died (usually with a picture)
- The date, time and location of the funeral or memorial service (if wanting to share this).
- Information on how to send flowers or donations to a chosen charity.
- An option for guests to leave messages or share memories.
This follows on from our MuchLoved tribute service which is where through our tribute pages you can view service details, make donations, leave messages for the family, light a candle or even share a picture of the deceased. This service is completely free, just get in touch if this is something you would like us to help you set up.
Preparing Your Digital Legacy
Planning for what happens to your digital data after you die is incredibly important, and gives your family one less thing to worry about. Your digital legacy includes everything from your social media accounts to email addresses, photos and other online information. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your digital legacy:
- Create a digital will: include instructions for how you want your digital files to be managed, and whether you would like the executor of your estate to handle this or someone else.
- Appoint a legacy contact: on some platforms like Facebook and Google, you can appoint a trusted person to manage your accounts after death.
- Back up important files: make sure any valuable files are backed in a safe place so your loved ones can access them once you are no longer around.
- Review privacy settings: regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure they are as secure as possible.
Navigating social media after a loss can be a challenging process. At Levertons, we are here to provide families with the support they need through this difficult time. For more information about our free online notices or our MuchLoved service, contact us today.
