Overview
The actions we take, the way we behave and the choices we make in life help to shape the legacy we leave behind in death. These actions are increasingly being carried out and overtly spoken about online. By thinking about our digital legacy and planning for our inevitable departure we are able to highlight certain personally traits and our tell stories for those left behind.
– James Norris, MyWishes founder
Digital Legacy Checklist
Below is a basic checklist of things you may want to consider when evaluating your online footprint (this is sometimes referred to as a ‘digital footprint’). By evaluating the points below we hope that it will evoke thought and lead to a proactive outcome.
- Search for (your name) in Google and see what appears (in Google search, Google image search and Google video search). If there is information or media (such as photos and videos) that you do not want to be remembered for consider removing them.
Make sure that you have given directions about what you would like to happen to your online accounts and profiles in your Social Media Will.
MyWishes free software includes a section where users document their online accounts and forge a social media will. If you decide to create a social media will using MyWishes you should download a copy (PDF) printed or email the document to someone you trust once it has been completed.
- Tell at least one person where your Social Media Will is stored and consider sharing a copy with more than one person.
- Consider leaving a ‘goodbye’ message‘ for your friends and family as part of your Ethical Will.
- Download and backup your media saved on third party social media and online sites. Once downloaded you may want to print and share the photos, videos and files that are of the greatest sentimental and monitory value.
- If you have a website or blog that you would like to remain live once you have died make sufficient plans, technical resource and budget for this to occur.
- Understand the terms & conditions of the online platforms and services that you use.
- Consider how to pass on your passwords and what levels of access you would like others to have.
- If you have digital assets that are of a monitory value (business website, cryptocurrency etc) add them to your Last Will & Testament
MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. To learn more about how MyWishes works click here.