Digital Death
What Happens to Social Media Pages When You Die
Omaha, NE - Just about everybody is on social networking sites such as Facebook or Myspace. But what happens when you die?
Facebook User Alicia Heiserer says her friend Jerry died more than a year ago but his image still appeared in the "suggested friends" section of Facebook. His profile was still active. Heiserer said, "It's a reminder that he's gone. It's upsetting." Heiserer also lost her sister-in-law two years ago. She's been trying to take down the profile but without a user name and password, it's nearly impossible, "for most of us social media is just so new that we don't think about it. "
Here in Nebraska, the legislature is now considering a bill that would deal with digital death. More specifically what rights a designated relative or friend would have in case you die. Omaha attorney Bill Lindsay told Action 3 News you can take action and take control of your profile while you're still alive " you have to make sure you have a list of passwords, that list of passwords should be kept in some fashion that is safe. "
He says make sure somebody you are close to knows about it, perhaps even put it in a safe deposit box. Lindsay also says if you have a will put your social networking wishes in writing.
There are even companies that now plan your digital estate. Some are calling it an online afterlife.
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