Life after death in the digital age

by Aaron

It’s interesting how the Internet and social networking websites like Facebook have truly changed the meaning of “life after death”. Have you noticed this?

Even after my friend in college passed away over a year ago, he still lives on in the digital world. How is that, you might ask? He still has a Facebook profile. Believe it or not, social networking profiles of the departed have become the digital equivalent of a memorial. People still write on his wall and tag old pictures of him. I think this digital memorial has given people an easier way to deal with death and remember their loved ones. It’s a good thing™.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Life after death in the digital age”

  1. Laura on October 10th, 2007 12:05 am

    I have to say I don’t think it’s a good thing, although I dig the Martha Stewart reference… but if I kicked the bucket tomorrow, I don’t know that I’d like ppl leaving RIP messages on my wall, and how could I untag all those bad pictures you’d put up of me! I kinda wish there was a freeze function for a profile when you die, so that nothing else could happen to it. It could just be a record of your life. hey, this is depressing.

  2. aaron on October 10th, 2007 12:50 am

    You know it’s interesting because Facebook has actually stated that they will immediately remove someone’s profile if they’ve been notified by a family member. I can see your point, though.