Is my grief too public for you? The digitalization of grief on Facebook™

Abstract

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr provide users a metaphorical space to share their feelings and experiences with others, including on the topics of grief and loss. The purpose of the current study was to examine why people post grief messages on Facebook and how they feel about others' grief posts. Findings showed that participants post about their grief and loss on Facebook to commemorate the dead, express their grief, connect with others, and remember special occasions.