Mediated Death

The book explores how the all-encompassing presence of mediated death transforms contemporary society, examining rituals of mourning, livestreaming of death, and media-driven practices of immortalization. It draws on examples ranging from Margaret Thatcher and David Bowie to 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: Hardback
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 and the internet has allowed us to connect with others in unprecedented ways, sharing our experiences and emotions with a global audience. At the same time, these technologies have also facilitated the widespread dissemination of information about death and dying, shaping our perceptions and attitudes toward the end of life.

Rituals of Mourning:
One of the most notable ways in which mediated death has impacted our society is through the rituals of mourning. In the past, mourning was primarily a private and intimate process, conducted within the confines of the family and close friends. However, with the rise of social media, mourning has become a public spectacle, with individuals sharing their grief and loss on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Live-Streaming of Death:
Another significant aspect of mediated death is the live-streaming of death. This practice has gained popularity in recent years, with individuals and families choosing to broadcast their loved ones' final moments on social media. While some argue that live-streaming can provide a sense of closure and comfort to those who are grieving, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the deceased's privacy and dignity.

Contemporary Media-Driven Practices of Immortalization:
In addition to rituals of mourning and live-streaming of death, contemporary media-driven practices of immortalization have also emerged. These practices involve the use of technology to preserve and memorialize the deceased, often through digital means such as photographs, videos, and social media posts. While some argue that these practices can help individuals cope with loss and maintain a connection with the deceased, others have raised concerns about the potential commodification of death and the loss of authenticity.

Examples from the Real World:
To illustrate the impact of mediated death on contemporary society, Sumiala draws on examples from a range of sources. These include the iconic deaths of Margaret Thatcher and David Bowie, as well as the more ordinary deaths of individuals ritualized on social media platforms. Sumiala explores how these examples reflect the changing attitudes toward death and the ways in which media and communication technologies have shaped our understanding and experience of it.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, mediated death has had a profound impact on contemporary society, shaping our rituals of mourning, practices of immortalization, and perceptions of death. While these technologies have brought us closer together and provided new ways to cope with loss, they have also raised important ethical and social questions about the way we approach death and the preservation of our memories. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is essential to consider the impact of mediated death on our lives and to work towards finding meaningful ways to honor and remember the deceased.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 216 x 145 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509544530