From sharing news to celebrating milestones, social media plays a significant role in today’s society. It has also been used to relay condolences to grieving friends or family members before, during, and after funerals. If you decide to post about a recent loss, make sure you follow the proper etiquette to ensure you remain respectful.

How to Use Social Media to Express Sympathy

How should you craft a message of condolence?

If you aren’t sure what to write on social media in response to the passing of a friend’s loved one, take the time to think about it. Waiting until you have the right words is better than accidentally posting something potentially insensitive.

You should also aim to keep the message short and simple. Appropriate phrases include “I’m sorry for your loss” or “My thoughts are with you.”

Is it okay to ask questions?

It isn’t the best idea to ask the bereaved family about the explicit details of their loved one’s death or funeral on social media, especially if you don’t have a close relationship with them. Asking them to explain the circumstances and relive the pain can be especially taxing during this time of grief. If they don’t provide the information, they probably want to keep it personal.

Can you share information on your personal page?

It can be tempting to share a post containing details of the passing of a mutual friend, but it’s important to receive approval from the original poster or closest family member.

If the family hasn’t shared the news, don’t post or mention it to others. They might not be emotionally ready for everyone to know. Some families prefer private funerals, and they might not want to post about the loss until after the service.

Should you interact with other posters?

If you notice someone else making an inappropriate remark on a post about someone’s passing, refrain from responding publicly. This only worsens the negativity and can cause more distress to the original poster.

If you know the person who wrote the negative comment, you should opt to send them a private message. However, if the poster is a stranger, it’s better to ignore them.

For over 100 years, Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, has provided compassionate services for families making memorial arrangements for their lost loved ones. This family-run funeral home assists with preplanning, obituary writing, and cremation. Their staff is available to provide 24-hour service to customers in need of immediate assistance. Visit their website to learn more about planning your loved one’s funeral, or call (203) 375-2200 to speak with a staff member.