Etiquette for Social Media Condolences

Most people develop intense and intimate relationships on social media. Friendships are separated by distance but can be just as valuable as off-internet relationships. Most people maintain connections through these platforms so if death happens to someone close to an online friend or connection, offering condolences is a natural instinct. At Ocean County Cremation Service, we believe the conveying condolences on social media should be done carefully. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Wait Until An Official Announcement is Published

By official, we mean the person closest to the decedent or a representative of the family. For example, if a friend’s spouse has died and you hear the news from another friend, don’t offer condolences immediately. Wait until the grieving friend is ready and has made an official announcement before offering condolences. Information can spread easily in these days of social media but you don’t know if the grieving individual is really ready to share it to accept condolences. It’s important to give them some time.

2. Don’t Be the First to Announce It

If a grieving friend has personally confided in you that a loved one has passed away, don’t convey any condolence or even hint at it on social media. The friend might be willing to admit the situation to you but not to everyone else. It’s a good idea to keep things under wraps until they are ready to share the information with others via a public post.

3. Keep Condolences Private

After they have made a public announcement, offer a short but kind condolence in public but contact them through direct messages or private messages and offer a more personal note. Just let them know you’re there if they need to talk or vent. This is a much better way to offer support.

If you want to know more about grieving or want to arrange for a service, contact us at Ocean County Cremation Service today. We’ll be happy to help.