How To Prepare For Your Digital Afterlife

How To Prepare For Your Digital Afterlife

 

 

There are many things that people forget to put in a will, but perhaps it never crosses their minds to deal with their digital afterlife. Have you ever wondered about what happens to your Twitter, Facebook and blog accounts once you’ve died?

 

Blogging in the afterlife

 

Your blog could be out there entertaining people long after you’ve gone, which is a nice thought to think there’s a trace of you left out there for posterity. However, if you don’t like that idea what do you do?

 

Is a password enough?

 

Apparently, you need a password to get into someone’s account and if you don’t have that, you need proof of death before it’d be given to you. If this is the case, it’s important that things like this are put in your will. However, you may want your blog to stay online after you’ve gone, so it’s important to make sure that’s in your will too. Be clear about what you want.

 

List

 

Draw up a list of all your online accounts and blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogger, websites. Make sure you list your passwords and usernames. Make sure you include everything.

 

Research

 

Research how to deal with a deceased’s account for each one, Twitter, Facebook etc. It may not be as straightforward as you think, so make sure you have all the facts. Some may need more information than just proof of death e.g. death certificate. Make sure you know exactly what each one needs to verify your death and allow your family into your online accounts. They may need to leave a message to let everyone know you’ve gone; they can’t do that if you haven’t left clear instructions.

 

Let people know

 

It’s important to let your family and friends know exactly what you want done with each online account/forum/blog.

 

Some you may want to stay open permanently after you’ve gone, or perhaps for a certain amount of time, perhaps 6 months with a final message from loved ones and an opportunity for friends to leave messages of condolence.

 

Other’s you may be happy to dispense with as soon as you’re gone. Make sure your will doesn’t leave these important facts out. Your digital life may not seem so important in comparison to other things, like your personal assets, but it is crucial to get your digital life in order while you’re still alive.