What is Digital Death Tech?
Digital Death Tech is any technology that helps the living connect with the dead. This includes everyday technology like Facebook, as well as specially designed technology meant to help people mourn.
Some ways that death technology is used include:
- Communicating with the dead through virtual memorial walls, communication tools (text and emails), or simulated two-day communications, like chatbots.
- Technology-assisted funerals, such as online memorial services, hybrid funerals with both online and in-person attendees, and funeral recordings.
- Memorializing loved ones, including online cemeteries, obituaries, or social media memorials.
For more information about digital death tech, see this short video on the home page.
Why is this research important?
Beyond offering you an opportunity to talk about your loved one, your interview serves a valuable role in several fields, including death studies (also known as thanatology), ritual studies, and information technology.
The goal of this research project is to understand how digital death technology is changing our relationship with death and the dead. By exploring the growing role of digital death technology in the bereavement process, the study can help identify how grieving individuals use tools like funerals, memorialization, and communication to and from the dead.
Beyond informing further studies, studying digital death technology can help funeral directors, vendors, bereavement counselors, death doulas, social workers, and therapists better serve their clients. Lastly, this project can spread awareness of the growing role of the Internet in mourning, helping newly grieving individuals understand their options for maintaining a relationship with their loved one
What is involved in participating in this study?
Once you complete the informed consent form, we will schedule a one-hour interview via Teams. The program will generate a transcript of our conversation that I will review for the study. If I have questions, I may reach out for a short follow-up interview.
Once I sign up for this study, can I change my mind?
Participation is voluntary, and you are always welcome to change your mind, even after the interview has started. If you decide you no longer wish to participate, let me know, and I will remove your information from the study.
Do I have to answer all of your questions?
You can choose not to answer any question if it makes you uncomfortable.
How will my personal data be protected?
The final interview will not include any personally identifiable information about you or your loved one. Your interview answers will be transcribed into a format for data analysis without names or specific details. The data is only for research purposes and will not be publicly available.
Who will have access to my personal information?
Digital versions of the transcripts will be stored in a password-protected SharePoint owned by Tilburg University and shared only with the researcher and research supervisors.
Will my name be used in this study?
Your name and/or company name will not be used in this study. The information you provide will be anonymized before being included in the research results.
May I have a copy of the recording for promotional purposes?
Recordings of interviews are only for the purposes of this study and cannot be used for promotional purposes.
Who can I contact if the questions upset me or I need to talk to someone?
This page includes mental health resources.
Who can I contact if I have questions about this study?
If you have any immediate questions about this study, please reach out to me at [email protected].
What digital death tech do you recommend?
The mourning process is deeply personal, and everyone may find comfort in different tools. The best option is one that helps you feel better while you move forward on your healing journey. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the technology, including its privacy settings.
Do you have a flyer that summarizes this study?
Click here to see the information flyer.
How can I participate in this study?
You can participate by emailing me at [email protected]. After I receive your email, I will send you a copy of the information letter and a copy of the informed consent form for you to digitally complete and send back.
What does the information letter look like?
Click here to see an example of the information letter.
What does the informed consent form look like?
Click here to see an example of the informed consent form.