What happens to my facebook page when I'm gone?

It's not something we like to talk about, let alone think about.  However, we must ask the question:  What happens to my Facebook page when I'm gone?  Sure, many of us have gone through the painful task of drawing up a will.  Many of us have arrangements for our bank accounts, homes, businesses, and pets.  But what about our social media accounts?  No, Facebook doesn't know when you pass away.  Neither do Twitter, Instagram, or other such companies.  

When our social media pages outlive us, it can create some sticky situations.  Many of us have seen a Facebook page belonging to a deceased friend or loved one.  If only someone knew Uncle Joe's password so we could get in and post an announcement, give a tribute, or even close it down.  Whatever you'd like to see happen with your pages, you'll need to plan for it.

Fortunately, Facebook has a setting that takes care of this very issue.  It's called Memorialization Settings.  In this setting, you can designate another person to:

• Manage tribute posts on your profile, which includes deciding who can post and who can see posts, deleting posts, and removing tags
• Request the removal of your account
• Respond to new friend requests
• Update your profile picture and cover photo

The person you select to take control is called your Legacy Contact.  You can choose this individual under the Memorialization Settings.  Facebook will send a message to that person alerting them of your request.

Whatever you decide to do with your accounts, just plan ahead.  Most other social media companies have forms for a trusted person to fill out in order to take over.  Leaving an account unattended opens it up to unscrupulous people who can use it for their own nefarious reasons.  

Yes, even in death, you can still be hacked.

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