If you know me, you know I announce everything on Facebook. I announced when we bought our house, I announced when we got married (moments after it happened changing my name to include my husband’s last name), I announced when I was pregnant, and I announced the birth of our baby.
I even announce non-monumental happenings. Things like “Maureen Turner Rasmussen is baking cookies!” Who doesn’t want to know that?
Seems logical that I would announce my death as well…right?
Facebook has just announced the “if I die” app. What you do, is record a message that you would like to play once you are dead. A few of your friends will have to confirm your passing and then your video will be released.
I guess the idea of leaving a message to your loved ones is kind of cool, but Facebook seems a little impersonal. Not to mention, what if this video is released before everyone knows you have passed? How creepy would it be to click someone’s farwell video not knowing what it was and have them announce (from the grave) that they have died.
I have a few friends who have passed away in the past couple of years, and their Facebook accounts are still open. I get birthday notifications every year…for a dead friend.
If you have a family member who has passed, and you don’t want these reminders, all you have to do is contact Facebook and have the account memorialized. This takes the account out of the public newsfeeds, but leaves the wall open for friends and family to leave messages and pay their respects.
I think a memorial page is a great idea. You can start a fan page for the deceased where friends and family can join and leave messages, support the family, and pay respects. The best thing about the memorial page—no creepy videos.
So, will you be leaving your friends and family a message from the grave?
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