Mediated Death

The book explores how the all-encompassing presence of mediated death profoundly transforms contemporary society, examining rituals of mourning and the livestreaming of death in hybrid media, as well as contemporary media-driven practices of immortalization. It draws on examples ranging from the iconic deaths of Margaret Thatcher and David Bowie to those of ordinary people ritualized on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, and examines digital mourning of global events such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Coronavirus pandemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Approaching death from the perspective of media and communication studies, anthropology, and sociology, this book explores how the all-encompassing presence of mediated death profoundly transforms contemporary society. It delves into rituals of mourning and the livestreaming of death in hybrid media, as well as contemporary media-driven practices of immortalization. Drawing on examples ranging from the iconic deaths of Margaret Thatcher and David Bowie to those of ordinary people ritualized on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, Sumiala examines digital mourning of global events such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Coronavirus pandemic. Mediated Death is a must-read for scholars and students of communication studies, as well as general readers interested in exploring the meaning of mediated death in contemporary society.

Introduction:
The way we approach death has undergone a significant transformation in the modern era, thanks to the pervasive influence of media and communication technologies. The advent of social media platforms has allowed individuals to share their experiences of grief and loss in real-time, while the rise of digital media has facilitated the immortalization of individuals and their legacies. This book aims to explore the complex relationship between death, media, and society, examining how the all-encompassing presence of mediated death profoundly impacts our understanding of mortality, grief, and the human experience.

Rituals of Mourning and Hybrid Media:
One of the most significant ways in which mediated death transforms contemporary society is through the rituals of mourning. Traditional mourning practices have been adapted to incorporate new technologies, such as social media and livestreaming. For example, individuals may use social media to share memories and condolences, or they may livestream the funeral or memorial service to allow family and friends who cannot attend in person to participate. These practices have the potential to create new forms of connection and support, but they also raise questions about the boundaries between public and private, and the ethics of sharing personal information online.

Contemporary Media-Driven Practices of Immortalization:
In addition to rituals of mourning, mediated death has led to the emergence of contemporary media-driven practices of immortalization. Individuals are now able to create digital archives of their lives, including photographs, videos, and social media posts, which can be shared with a wide audience. This has the potential to create a sense of permanence and legacy, but it also raises concerns about the authenticity and accuracy of these records. Moreover, the commodification of personal information and the rise of data mining have led to the creation of personalized marketing and advertising campaigns, which can be targeted at individuals based on their online behavior and preferences.

Digital Mourning of Global Events:
Mediated death has also had a profound impact on the way we grieve and mourn for global events. The rise of social media has allowed individuals to connect with others who share their experiences of loss and trauma, creating a sense of community and solidarity. However, this has also led to the spread of misinformation and false narratives, which can exacerbate feelings of grief and loss. For example, the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris in 2015 saw a surge in social media activity, with individuals sharing messages of support and solidarity. However, this activity was also accompanied by the spread of false information and conspiracy theories, which can be harmful to individuals and communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, mediated death has had a profound impact on contemporary society, transforming the way we approach death, grieve, and immortalize individuals. While there are many benefits to these practices, such as increased connection and support, there are also concerns about the boundaries between public and private, the authenticity and accuracy of digital records, and the commodification of personal information. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it is important to consider the ethical implications of mediated death and work towards creating a society that is respectful and compassionate towards the human experience of death.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509544547