Death and Citizen Media

Like many students in this terms CS400 class, I have found myself at a loss for words regarding the choice of an appropriate topic involving the very broad realm of citizen media.

One aspect of citizen media which has interested me is the progression of the website Facebook and how, in recent years, it has become so unexpectedly predominant in our lives as students. Facebook is definitely one of the primary modes of communication students use to communicate with friends and peers, as it is a simple tool to leave messages, plan events, and discuss topics in groups.

I don't know the exact figures, but I would wager that at least 9 out of 10 Laurier students utilize Facebook on a weekly basis, if not more. What I am fairly certain however, is that all of us at some point will cease to exist on this Earth leaving a lasting legacy with friends and family that we've touched throughout our lives. And as unimportant as it may seem, we leave behind a virtual legacy through our blogs and Facebook pages.

Because citizen media, more exclusively Facebook, has only been utilized for a relatively short period of time, I don't think the dilemma of what happens to our personal citizen media contributions have been contested by academics, or anyone for that matter.

I have with out getting into detail had a friend pass away a few years ago however, their Facebook page remains to this day. The Facebook page is written upon by friends on a semi weekly basis and as the anniversary of their death approaches the wall is inundated with messages which convey their friends condolences and regret.

When does either the family of the deceased or the institution which provides the service need to remove the Facebook site from the Internet. Or to the contrary, should the site be left as a memorial where friends can continue to write messages for years to come and be able to view pictures of the deceased when they feel the need.

If someone dies, material possession are given to family members as expressed in a legal will. As far as I know no one leaves their citizen media to anyone to look after when they die, so whose responsibility is it to look after the deletion or continued legacy of a blog, or any type of citizen media contribution.

Hopefully this post can garner some discussion around the topic, as I am very interested in what my class mates have to say about the issue of death and citizen media, more importantly your thoughts on whether or not these types of sites should be deleted, or remain as a symbolic memorial of one's life where friends can periodically leave messages...