The Creation and Inheritance of Digital Afterlives: You Only Live Twice

This book explores how social networking platforms enable the creation of digital afterlives, affecting the bereaved. It introduces the theory of 'the fear of second loss' and suggests how existing grief theories can be expanded to accommodate digital inheritance. It also highlights the potential risks of uncontrollable timed posthumous messages and the creation of thanabots, and proposes a Digital Do Not Reanimate (DDNR) order and voluntary code of conduct for the Digital Afterlife Industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the fascinating realm of social networking platforms, shedding light on their inadvertent role in enabling and fostering the emergence of digital afterlives. Through extensive research and qualitative data collected from three distinct groups of participants—service providers, digital creators, and digital inheritors—Debra J. Bassett offers a comprehensive exploration of this phenomenon.

For the bereaved, the loss of data, lack of control, or the phenomenon of digital obsolescence can evoke a secondary sense of loss, often referred to as the "fear of second loss." This book introduces a groundbreaking theory called "the fear of second loss," which challenges and disrupts traditional grief theories, paving the way for the inclusion of digital inheritance in our understanding of mourning.

This interdisciplinary work appeals to a wide range of scholars and professionals, including sociologists, cyber psychologists, philosophers, death scholars, and grief counselors. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale for the burgeoning "intentional Digital Afterlife Industry" (DAI), highlighting their pursuit of monetizing the deceased. Bassett's book sheds valuable light on the profound implications of uncontrollable timed posthumous messages and the creation of thanabots, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration and regulation in this domain.

In the digital societies of the West, we may not possess eternal life, but the question that begs to be asked is: who aspires to live forever? This book prompts us to reflect on the complexities of mortality, technology, and the human desire for immortality. It offers valuable insights into the potential impacts of digital afterlives on the bereaved and proposes innovative solutions, such as the concept of a Digital Do Not Reanimate (DDNR) order and a voluntary code of conduct, to navigate this evolving landscape.

As we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, this book serves as a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the intersection of social media, grief, and immortality. It encourages us to consider the ethical implications of our digital footprint and the potential long-term effects of our online presence on our loved ones. By shedding light on the unintended consequences of social networking platforms, this book empowers us to embrace a more mindful and compassionate approach to managing our digital legacies and ensuring that our digital afterlives reflect the values and memories we hold dear.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030916862
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022