Social media etiquette when someone dies

Let’s talk social media announcements or tributes when someone dies.

In this digital age,  we all rush to Social Media to express how we are feeling. 

Our natural reaction when learning of someone’s death is to pay tribute to them on our social networks. 

Please, please, please, do not do this until the family has done so. 

They may not be ready for the influx of messages or taking on other people’s grief. In those early days there is so much to process.

And whether you make a tribute immediately or in a few days time, it won’t change the fact that the person has died.  

Always let the closest family post first. 

And respect their privacy at all times.

Not everything has to brought online.  

The family may not be ready to answer all the questions that are about to come their way.  They are already dealing with so much.

Of course, there is all the logistics and they are also are trying to process their own emotions.

For a family, a post on social media about their loved one, usually results in a lot of questions that they may not have the answers to, such as when the funeral will be or the circumstances of someone’s death. 

But it is important to know that your curiosity is less important than the family’s need for privacy. 

No matter how well intended, please wait until immediate family have posted to ensure that all family members may have been notified. They do not need to learn such news via a tag on facebook.  

I cannot tell you how many families I have sat with where this has caused an extra layer of stress. 

Stop and think before posting – ask yourself ‘is this my story to share”