It is becoming increasingly popular for families to forego a headstone or grave-marker in a churchyard or cemetery to mark a loved ones passing. The digital age has reshaped how the living commemorate their dead, especially with the growth of Facebook memorials where instead of simply removing the deceased’s profile, his or her page can be converted into a memorial. The deceased’s existing Facebook “friends” have access, creating a virtual support network leaving messages for the dead person.

Questions can arise about the accuracy and content of postings and effective legal solutions have yet to be developed. But due to the minimal costs of such memorials the rise of them seems sure to continue.