What would happen if I died?

Here is a really morbid thought, what if some tragic accident befell me?

None of you would ever know. Would you? My blog would stay inactive until my debit card was cancelled and my Typepad account expired. It would be a mystery unless you checked my Facebook page. I'm assuming some friends might comment on the wall – which in itself might become the 'new' obituary.

That just feels wrong somehow.

So here's what I think. I think I should tell someone else about my password and my social media profiles. I think it should be very easy for someone to access my profile on such an occasion and mention I've passed on. I'm sure some people would want to know (wouldn't you?)

Social Media is such an important part of my life. It would be tragic if nobody ever knew I had passed on. If I died relatives and loved ones would be able to access my home, contact my bank and otherwise represent my interests. So why not my Social Media Profile? Shouldn't we treat our online presence and our online contacts, with a little more respect?

Comments

[Chris Norton]

Richard, it's funny you should blog about this as I was thinking about this the other day. I have seen a number of Facebook accounts where people have tragically died and people have left messages of condolences and it made me think. This is really touching and a great tribute to that person.
However, once someone has passed on, you would hope that a close friend relative would look after your accounts and close them where necessary. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen to any of us for a while yet.

[Chris Norton]

Richard, it's funny you should blog about this as I was thinking about this the other day. I have seen a number of Facebook accounts where people have tragically died and people have left messages of condolences and it made me think. This is really touching and a great tribute to that person.
However, once someone has passed on, you would hope that a close friend relative would look after your accounts and close them where necessary. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen to any of us for a while yet.

[Matthew Watson]

I wonder if people will start adding a section to their wills of actions to complete upon their death, such as closing bank accounts and sorting out online stuff. With a blog I sort of like the thought that my ideas will live on after me. Even if it is for just a few months.

Out of curiosity I did a a quick search on Facebook, which brought up a few Funeral events. It's strange what people use social media for.

[Paisano]

Great stuff. I'm morbid too so I've thought of that too. I've actually come up with a new service idea that could handle these types of things. Stay tuned for more.

Yes, wills will have to address social media accounts too.

[Michelle]

I've just found your site and have been reading backwards through it. I just had to comment here that I've been thinking the same thing. My husband doesn't even really know what I'm all involved in online. If I died suddenly, there would be a whole lot of people left wondering where I went.

I think I need to make a list.

Michelle