Digital Afterlife : Swedish Perspectives on Trust and Management of Social Media Data After Death

In an increasingly socially connected society, the question of how social media data should be managed after death has become both a practical and ethical concern. This study investigated the preferences and trust of Swedish citizens regarding the post-mortem data management of their social media accounts, which was carried out through a quantitative survey of 174 respondents. The study identified trust levels towards users, social media providers, and analyzed how demographic factors influenced trust. The study’s findings revealed that most participants wished to convert their accounts into memorialized profiles or delete them entirely, with a large majority placing their trust in family members rather than friends or social media platforms to carry out the deceased’s wishes. Demographic factors such as age and whether they have children were found to affect trust levels. The study highlights a lack of awareness regarding the possibility of digital wills, pointing out the need for better user education and clearer legacy tools from social media providers. The study concludes by presenting recommendations for social media providers, users, and policymakers to address the legal, ethical, and emotional issues of post-mortem social media management in Sweden.