Facebook has been around for years now. Originally founded by Mark Zuckerburg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. This brain trust of young men helped to launch what may be the largest technological empires of all time. Unlike the other giant multinational corporations of the time their product was us. Our social engagement which has since been copied many times over, even by themselves.
At over 2 billion users worldwide, if something happens you can bet it will be on Facebook. People’s lives today are intertwined with social media of all kinds and Facebook was one of the first.
We all have our communities and connections online. Facebook makes you more aware of what is going on in everyone’s life. You really do not need to know what that 3rd grade classmate is doing with her new pyramid scheme. Facebook helps you find out and in the hustle of life we do not realize that Facebook in many ways is our own memorial to ourselves. Facebook knows this and has a process. What happens after you pass away, well I have some answers.
What happens on Facebook after you pass away?
Over 30 million people have died who once had a Facebook account. Obviously as time wears on or Facebook itself Ironically dies this number will rise. So what are the options of these souls on their way to the river Styx?
Memorialization
Facebook, upon learning of your passing will memorialize your account. What this means is that your profile will be changed. The word remembering will be shown by your name. Over the years we have all gathered thousands of posts, comments, and other small interactions. Content that has been shared by you will forever stay on Facebook. These will be visible to the ones you shared it with.
Though not usually considered, security even afterlife is serious on the platform. No longer will anyone be able to log into the profile.
Legacy Contact
Just like in real life you need to identify a power of attorney to handle your estate. In the digital life on Facebook this is known as a legacy contact. Legacy contacts should be something considered as they will manage your profile after you pass. The person you choose will be able to accept friend requests. Though gaining a friend after death itself is pretty impressive. These legacy contacts will be able to change the profile and cover photo of your account.
Permadeath does exist in cyberspace.
On the other side of the coin you can choose the real prestige and disappear forever.
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