Thank you for your interest in delving deeper into the nuances of Social Media Etiquette concerning Death and Funerals. In this exclusive AskMeAnything Series, we will meticulously explore various facets of social media etiquette related to death and funerals each month. Join us as we navigate this uncharted territory, shedding light on the thoughtful and respectful ways in which we can engage with these sensitive topics on social media. Your participation in this exploration is invaluable, and we look forward to educating our communities for the benefit of those who are experiencing some of life’s toughest moments.
The Principles of Social Media Etiquette Relating to Death and Funerals
Principle 1 – Privacy and Consent: Sharing such information without the explicit consent of the loved one’s family and friends violates their privacy rights. Grief, death and loss are deeply personal matters, and the decision to share these details should be left to those directly affected. Respecting their wishes and allowing them to control the information is crucial in maintaining their privacy and the loved one’s dignity during a difficult time.
Principle 2 – Emotional Well-being: Posting about a death or funeral service solely for the purpose of garnering attention can be distressing and triggering for those who are grieving or directly affected. It may remind them of their loss, reopen emotional wounds or hardships, and exacerbate their emotional pain. Prioritizing empathy, understanding and compassion over social media validation in the form of likes or views is essential to ensure the emotional well-being of those directly impacted by the loss.
Principle 3 – Sensationalism and Exploitation: Posting information about a death or funeral service solely for the purpose of gaining views or likes on social media demonstrates a lack of empathy and exploits a sensitive and personal event. It reduces the significance of the occasion to mere entertainment, disregarding the emotional impact on the bereaved and the sanctity of the grieving process.
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Principle 1 - Privacy and Consent
The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Etiquette Relating to Death and Funerals: Privacy and Consent
Dos: Allow the family to grieve privately if they choose to do so: The family is not obligated to share any information on or off social media. If the family chooses to remember or celebrate the loved one privately, you must respect their wishes.
Don’ts: Avoid oversharing: Respect the privacy of the grieving family and avoid sharing personal or sensitive information about the deceased without permission.
Dos: Share funeral details respectfully: If the family has made the funeral details public, you may share them on social media, but be sure to do so with sensitivity and respect for the family’s wishes.
Don’ts: Don’t speculate or spread rumors: Refrain from speculating or spreading rumors about the cause of death or any other sensitive matters. This can cause unnecessary distress to the family and others close to the deceased.
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Principle 2 - Emotional Wellbeing
The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Etiquette Relating to Death and Funerals: Emotional Wellbeing
Dos: Be patient and ask for permission: Do not rush to social media and begin sharing news of someone’s death. Always wait for the family to break the news to the public. If, or when they make an announcement in the form of a social media post, it is best to ask for their permission before sharing photos or videos in remembrance of the deceased.
Don’ts: Don’t pressure the family: Avoid pressuring the grieving family to share more information than they are comfortable with on social media.
Dos: Share memories and stories: Share positive memories and stories about the deceased if appropriate, highlighting their accomplishments and the impact they had on others’ lives.
Don’ts: Avoid posting inappropriate content: Refrain from sharing any content (pictures or videos) that may be deemed disrespectful, offensive, or inappropriate in relation to the funeral or the deceased.
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Paradise Memorial Funeral Home was established on May 12, 2001, under the leadership of our founders, Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, LFD, John O. Bell, LFD, William R. Stark, and Ava N. Carter. Our founders dedicated their lives and collectively brought over 50 years of experience to the Greater Milwaukee community. They provided service, dignity, respect, and compassion to hundreds of bereaved families over the last fifteen years.
Paradise Memorial Funeral Home has helped many individuals by supporting causes that align with our founding members. We’ve formed community partnerships with churches of all denominations and faiths, fraternities and sororities, Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. As historical pillars in the community, the founders wanted to lay the groundwork for Paradise Memorial Funeral Home to remain family owned and operated. So, in 2016 they sought out Marcel A. Clarke and Camelia L. Clarke to transition the business into the second generation of operations.
After the transition, Marcel and Camelia immediately expand services that aligned with their new legacy initiative of “How will you be remembered?” The new initiative was started to inspire families to think about their legacies and what matters in life—relationships, giving back and making a difference. These legacies form the essence of a life celebration experience. As a result of this new legacy initiative, we changed our name to Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services because we now offer personalized cremation services.
I recently worked with Paradise Memorial Funeral Home during a difficult time, and I couldn't be more grateful for their exceptional service. From the moment I contacted them, they handled everything with professionalism and compassion.
Their staff went above and beyond to accommodate my needs and wishes, ensuring that every detail was taken care of seamlessly. They guided me through the process with empathy and sensitivity, making a challenging situation much more manageable for my family. The facility was comforting and well-maintained, providing an environment for me to discuss how to celebrate my loved one.
I recommend Paradise Memorial to anyone in need of compassionate and reliable planning and funeral services. Their dedication was felt, and I am grateful for their support.