Following the announcement of Facebook's new post-mortem control feature, the Science Gallery Dublin imagined gravestones of the future as indicators of our digital lives.
Social media has made it easy to quantify our lives. The amount of Facebook friends, Instagram likes and Twitter followers we have is recorded and displayed, a shadowy reminder of how popular we are (or perceived to be). Social media has become another way by which we can define ourselves, and our worth.
The gravestones of the future may never include the amount of Tinder matches you accrued over your lifespan, but the exhibit does make an interesting point. Digital histories are, at least in part, a reflection of ourselves, our thoughts and our interests. Wouldn't it be nice if those were preserved in some way for future generations?
Social Media Gravestones
Gravestones of the Future May Include Our Digital Stats
Trend Themes
1. Quantified-self Gravestones - The gravestones of the future may include digital stats like social media followers and likes, reflecting the quantification of our lives.
2. Preserving Digital Histories - Preservation of our digital histories and interests for future generations could be a new trend, reflecting the desire for a lasting legacy.
3. Reflecting Self-identity Through Social Media - Social media as a means of self-identification and self-worth may influence the design of gravestones, representing a shift in societal values.
Industry Implications
1. Funeral Services - Funeral service providers could incorporate digital elements into gravestones, offering personalized and interactive memorials.
2. Digital Archives - Digital archive platforms may emerge to curate and preserve individuals' social media profiles and related digital artifacts after death.
3. Social Media Marketing - Social media marketers could explore new opportunities in the funeral industry, assisting individuals in curating their digital legacies.