Facebook has been all over the news lately…and not for the right reasons. Their data scandal has now impacted a reported 87 million people, and while they’ve made changes (read our post entitled “Facebook Reacts to Privacy Scandal” for more information), many have predicted that this could eventually lead to the social media network’s demise. I’m not sure I agree, though, as there are a whole lot of Facebook addicts out there. If the death of Facebook has ever made you think of your own (how’s that for a segue), fear not, because it’s possible to let your wishes be known about the future of your Facebook account after you die. Forget the will and living will, this is actually important! This post was “by request” so don’t shoot the messenger.
In all seriousness, I’m sure that we all have Facebook friends who have passed away. It’s a little uncomfortable, even unsettling, to see a page that a deceased friend has liked be suggested to you on your newsfeed. It’s also a little troubling to wish John Doe a happy birthday to “help him have a great day”. Because of these examples, Facebook has allowed an account to be memorialized in honor of the fallen, or an account can be set to be deleted after the person has died. I know that this would be pretty far down the priority list when a loved one passes, so it is something to be taken into consideration before that time comes.
To get started on this grim task, first head to Facebook’s “Settings” page. On a computer, click the dropdown arrow to the right of the notification area, then click “Settings”. On a mobile device, open the Facebook app, tap the three lines at the bottom right of the screen, then scroll down and tap “Settings”. One more step differs between a computer and mobile device: On the mobile device, tap “Account Settings”. From there, the steps are the same. Next, hit “General”, and finally, “Manage Account”. The first thing you’ll want to do, is add a “Legacy Contact” who will be able to manage your account after you’re gone. Simply type the name of a trusted Facebook friend, and click “Add”. You may then choose whether or not you’d like to send the person an e-mail explaining what being the Legacy Contact means. Also on this screen, you can select the checkbox to allow the Legacy Contact to download a copy of everything you’ve posted on your Facebook page. If you’d rather your Facebook life end along with your own, click “Request account deletion”, then click “Delete After Death”. Your entire account will be removed after Facebook is notified of your passing.
Have you ever seen a Facebook page with the word “Remembering” before the person’s name? A Memorialization Request had been made in that person’s honor so friends may visit that person’s page and “relive” their posts and photos. This may be requested by the chosen Legacy Contact after clicking this link. The person’s name, date of death, and proof of death (such as a link to the obituary) must be made for Facebook to allow the action.
Sorry to be morbid, but Facebook is another thing to consider after the loss of life. When making sure your affairs are in order, don’t neglect your digital life. To their credit, Facebook makes the process pretty painless.