Compared to previous eras, grieving in the digital age is significantly different.
Online platforms have paved the way for new avenues of expressing complex emotions and preserving memories of loved ones. Digital technology has additionally enabled people to connect over their grief and foster comfort in shared experiences.
By integrating online platforms into your funeral services, you can better cater to the needs of clients and effectively enhance your funeral services.
In this article, we identify the major ways that modern technology has facilitated new methods of honouring and remembering loved ones in meaningful and innovative ways, and unveil the related benefits presented through modern technology.
4 Ways Modern Technology Has Transformed Funeral Rituals
Below, are four prominent ways social networks and online platforms are used throughout different grieving processes:
1. Virtual Live Streamed Funerals
Modern technology has made funerals significantly more accessible and convenient for geographically dispersed family members and friends. This enables people from all across the globe to come together and watch a live stream of their loved one’s funeral. Family and friends can also receive a recording of a funeral service, including readings and the eulogy.
2. Online Memorials
Online memorials offer a permanent and accessible digital space where family members and friends can share their condolences, memories and stories, offering a precious capsule that can be revisited in the future.
Online memorials come in many forms, offering a variety of interactive multimedia elements. For instance, individuals can create a memorial timeline that chronologically unfolds the life story of a loved one through shared photos, messages, and videos.
Because online memorials integrate various elements, such as communal uploads and secure data protection, they’re an excellent alternative to other methods, such as social media. Unlike standard platforms, the Memories online memorial tool is purpose-made for all users, regardless of their experience of digital tools, making it easy-to-use and widely accessible.
3. Online Communities & Support Groups
Grieving can be an incredibly lonely time for people. However, the internet has changed this, enabling people in mourning to seek support via virtual spaces and platforms. Whether it be via social media or through a dedicated support site, there's a multitude of ways people can join and collectively heal online.
4. Digital Guest book
A digital guest book enables friends and family members to share their messages of condolence, celebrate special memories, and tell untold stories that might otherwise be lost. This not only offers a platform of remembrance but also enables people to support and comfort the family of lost loved ones.
The Benefits of Incorporating Digital Technology Into Mourning Rituals
In the face of loss and mourning, technology brings forth several pathways that enable individuals to reflect and honour their loved ones in different ways. Here’s some of the major benefits of embracing digital tools for mourning rituals:
Widespread Accessibility
Too often, friends and relatives miss their loved one’s funeral or memorial services due to geographical limitations and unforeseen circumstances.
With digital tools, such as funeral recordings and live streaming, individuals can now have complete flexibility and increased accessibility. This means people can virtually attend the services of their dearly departed and be actively involved in the process.
Extended Reach and Connection
Digital platforms enable individuals to connect with their family members, friends, and acquaintances. This fosters a connection between individuals, allowing them to share cherished memories, photos, videos, and condolences on a larger scale.
Unique Creative Expression
After the passing of a loved one, individuals may struggle to conjure the right words to express their sorrow or appreciation for their dearly departed.
Thankfully, online tools and platforms enable people to take a more creative approach when expressing their emotions. From video storytelling to photographic presentations, there are many multimedia methods that can help people create expressive and personalised tributes.
Everlasting Preservation of Memories
As time goes by, special memories of loved ones can fade and valuable family history can be lost. Thanks to digital technology, friends and family members can eternally preserve their shared memories of a departed loved one.
How Can Digital Tools Help?
In a constantly developing digital landscape, funeral businesses can elevate their services by going the extra mile, and providing clients with tailored digital tools to help them mourn and honor their loved ones.
Overall, incorporating digital platforms into mourning services and practices will provide people with comprehensive and meaningful grieving experiences that not only meet the needs of people but also facilitate grief support.
Find out more about a Memories Online Memorial for your loved one or talk to us today to see how we can help incorporate funeral tech into your funeral practices.
