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I am sure that it probably hasn’t crossed many people’s minds what they would do about their “online” family and friends if they should ever pass away. I personally don’t think about me leaving this earth ever. Furthermore, I have never thought about how I would deal with my online friends and family if I should ever die. 

I came across an article about several sites that have been set up for those people who would like the online world to know about their death. As well all know, some people grow strong relationships with people in the virtual world. They talk on a daily or weekly basis, get to know each other on a personal level and some even take their friendships into the real world. 

Sometimes you really feel as if you know someone, just from all of the online interaction. But what happens if you died? Would there be someone who would be able to notify them of your death? This is probably a detail that you have never thought to cover. 

In the article I read it spoke about a daughter who had found her father dead while he was playing an online video game. She knew this was something that he did regularly and that he played with the same people. She really wanted to tell them that her father had passed, but didn’t know any of his passwords or log on information. After much research and attempts to contact people thru forums, she was finally able to let his online team members know of his passing. 

His online friends thought that it was strange when he didn’t log on for a few weeks, but didn’t think too much of it. They were sad to find out their friend had passed, but happy that they had the opportunity to know what happened. They grew to know him on a personal level and truly thought of him as a friend. 

There are two sites right now that are set up for people who would like their online ties to be taken care of in case of their death. One of them sends out mass emails to your contact list if you don’t log on every so often. You choose the length of time that you need to check this account and if it isn’t done the emails automatically go out. You also choose the messages and any attachments that will go out.

Another site does the same thing, but instead of having emails sent because you didn’t log in every so often, you must leave the information with a trusted friend and in case you pass they will be able to log on and start the process of contacting your friends. This April another site will launch with the same concept, but will require a death certificate to send out the information. 

If you were in this situation, how would you want it handled?