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Mortality is a sensitive and often uncomfortable subject. Pondering what happens when life ends can be sobering, partially because there’s no real way to control what does happen, short of making funeral plans or writing your own eulogy and obituary. Facebook, however, wants its users to have options, and that’s why they have several choices available to handle the accounts of the deceased.

The first choice is to memorialize the account. In order to be memorialized, the account holder simply has to adjust a setting so Facebook can change the profile after the person passes away. When an account is memorialized, “Remembering” is placed before the account holder’s name. The person’s friends still have the ability to post on the timeline, and any content on the account, such as pictures and posts, stay visible to the originally intended audience.

funeral plansAdditionally, a memorialized account is no longer active. No one can log into the account on the deceased’s behalf, and the person’s name will no longer appear in select areas of the site, such as suggested friends or annual birthday reminders.

Another option is to set up a legacy contact. This person is responsible for handling the person’s account after death. They won’t be able to log into the account personally or adjust existing content, such as pictures or posts. They also can’t delete friends or read messages. However, the legacy contact can share pinned posts on the person’s timeline and add people who send friend requests. Contacts can also update the person’s profile and cover pictures.

The final option is to simply arrange for account deletion after death. This is as simple as visiting the account settings section and clicking the “request account deletion” choice in the “manage account” area. Follow the given instructions to arrange for permanent removal of the account.

Although it’s as difficult to think about how to handle social media accounts after death as it is to consider funeral plans and cremation, it can also be very empowering to take such a proactive stance in your managing your digital identity—both now and later.

 

Abriola Parkview Funeral Home is a family-run funeral home in Trumbull, CT. For decades, we have provided professional, thoughtful services to families when they need it the most. From arranging funeral plans to writing eulogies and obituaries, our compassionate staff is devoted to helping you and ensuring your loved one receives a dignified, loving farewell. Visit our website to learn more, or call (203) 373-1013.

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