What To Do with Social Media Accounts when Someone Dies
It can be difficult to know exactly how to manage live social media accounts that are no longer needed after a loved one has died.
Social media forms a digital legacy belonging to each of us and deciding how to manage the account going forward is important and often difficult.
Each platform does have its own terms and conditions relating to the ongoing management or closure of accounts. There are various options you can choose when dealing with these social media accounts when a loved one dies. You have three options:
- Delete their accounts – do note that photos, comments etc. will be permanently erased in this event
- Keep the accounts open – by taking no action, the information and content can still be seen
- Memorialise their accounts – allows a person’s legacy to remain after their death
You will need the official authority to act on behalf of your loved one and proof of their death such as a death certificate may be required.
To help you further, as you consider the next steps with regard to closing or retaining the social media accounts of your loved one, we have put together a detailed guide with a summary of important information shared by Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Google.
At CPJ Field, we work with families on many aspects of the administration concerning the loss of a loved one and are always pleased to help and give advice.
