Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
You don't de-friend the dead: an analysis of grief communication by college students through Facebook profiles
1Communication Studies Department, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7574, USA. natpen@ku.edu
Abstract:
This research examined how various members of a social network interact with the Facebook (FB) profile page of a friend who has died. From 43 in-depth qualitative interviews, FB friends of deceased FB users maintained their FB connection with the deceased. Most participants who visited the profile found it helpful to look at pictures; a few wrote messages to the deceased as a coping mechanism. In some instances, a spouse or parent controlled the profile, which respondents universally viewed as having a negative effect on their ability to cope with their loss.
Related Concept Videos
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
Friendships and Close Friendships
Ending Relationships
Deindividuation

