How to Handle Social Media Accounts When a Loved One Passes Away
A considerable task loved ones are often faced with after a loss is being the dedicated beneficiary to make decisions on their loved one’s behalf. One thing people may neglect is the social media accounts of the one who has deceased. The average American often has up to five social media accounts. If overlooked, the accounts are at risk of being hacked, and users can interact with the accounts like they usually would. This can lead to emotional issues if loved ones come in contact with the profile, or end up dealing with friends or acquaintances who weren’t previously aware of their death. There are some options when a loved one passes away, including deleting their social media profiles, turning their Facebook page into a memorial page, etc. Here we have gathered ways to ensure your loved one’s legacy is a positive one, including social media.

Create a Memorial Page- Facebook gives you the option to turn a loved one’s Facebook page into a memorial page once they pass away. This allows friends and family to share memories of their loved one on this page, and will also help to let acquaintances know your loved one has passed. Find more information on Memorial Facebook pages here.

Deactivation of Accounts- There is always an option to delete or deactivate the account of someone who has deceased. Facebook gives you the option to either deactivate or turn an account into a memorial page, and Twitter requires proof of death to deactivate an account. This allows the account to disappear and not show up as a “suggested account” for people to add, which can bring up some emotions following the death.

Leave Login Info with Someone You Trust- For the future, consider leaving your social media login info with a loved one you trust. It may seem small, but it can make a difference when a loved one is grieving, and this saves them the trouble of tracking down this private information. Facebook allows for users to designate a “legacy contact” which is someone you choose to manage your account after you pass away. This person will be able to do things like pinning a post to your timeline, respond to new friend requests and update your profile photo. They won’t be able to post as you or see your messages. More information on setting legacy contact may be found here.

Be Mindful About What You Post- It can be tempting to post on a loved one’s social media page to announce their passing to those who may not know yet, but keep in mind that learning of a loved one’s death through social media can feel impersonal and may further upset people. Only notify acquaintances through social media if necessary, and use a phone call to let those close to them know.

Posted: June 15, 2018