Social media allows people to stay connected and share news with each other. In recent years, people have used it to relay condolences to a friend after the loss of a loved one. Although social media is a less formal setting, making sure your posts are appropriate is essential. Here are four important do’s and don’ts to review before crafting your message before, during, or after a funeral.

Do:

Ask for permission before sharing information.

The passing of a mutual friend or loved one can be shocking. While you may be tempted to immediately share the information on your social media, asking for permission from the original poster is necessary. If they decline your request, it may be because they haven’t had a chance to speak with all of their family members yet. It would be heartbreaking for these members to possibly learn of the passing of a loved one from someone else.

Take time to think about the condolence message. 

Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to say to someone who recently lost a loved one. It is okay to take some time to think about your message. This will allow you to think about how your words may affect your friend and will prevent you from accidentally writing something that could be perceived as insensitive. 

Don’t:

Ask insensitive questions.

Asking a bereaved family member about specific details surrounding the death of a loved one is not recommended, especially on social media. Additionally, prying for information that hasn’t been made public can bring back painful memories.

If you do have a close relationship with them, it may be appropriate to ask them for funeral details by phone or in person. However, if they don’t feel comfortable sharing these details with you, they are not obligated to do so.

Have negative interactions with others.

Unfortunately, not all people who make an online remark about the passing of a loved one will be respectful. If you see insensitive comments, responding publicly can bring more pain and stress to the bereaved family.  Out of respect for the family, it is best to avoid these interactions altogether. If the comments are too overwhelming, you can disable users from commenting or delete negative ones altogether. 

Losing a loved one is difficult to experience. That is why Carolina Cremation in Winston Salem, NC, is ready to help you through the entire process. With a 24-hour hotline, their compassionate team is ready to assist you with funeral planning and grief counseling. They also provide cremation services at affordable rates. Visit them online to learn more about how to plan a loved one’s funeral, and call (336) 368-4000 to speak with a team member today.