Death and mourning as sources of community participation in online social networks: R.I.P. pages in Facebook

Authors

  • Abbe E. Forman Temple University
  • Rebecca Kern Manhattan College
  • Gisela Gil-Egui Fairfield University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v0i0.3935

Keywords:

R.I.P., Facebook, Death and Mourning

Abstract

Facebook is a place for people to connect and share; a place to form online communities and engage in discussion. Kern, et al. (2013) found that Facebook is also a place to commune with, and about, the dead in a public forum. Although most often mourning of a death is done privately within tight knit communities, online social networking sites and particularly Facebook R.I.P. pages are creating public participation in the memorialization of those who have passed. The present study examines Facebook R.I.P. pages as a catalyst for participation and creation of online communities. Gallant, et al. (2007) provided the framework for determining the depth of online community created by those who participate in the creation, maintenance, and involvement with Facebook R.I.P. pages. This study examines the Facebook R.I.P. pages using a content analysis to determine if indeed these pages represent online community as defined by Gallant, et al. The model created by Gallant, et al. includes the following heuristics used to define online community: interactive creativity, selective hierarchy, identity construction, rewards and costs, and artistic forms.

Author Biographies

Abbe E. Forman, Temple University

Abbe E. Forman is an Assistant Professor in the CIS department at Temple University. She is also an adjunct Network Security Instructor at ECPI University.

Rebecca Kern, Manhattan College

Rebecca Kern is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications at Manhattan College.

Gisela Gil-Egui, Fairfield University

Gisela Gil-Egui is an Associate Professor of Communication at Fairfield University.

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Published

2012-08-10

How to Cite

Forman, A. E., Kern, R., & Gil-Egui, G. (2012). Death and mourning as sources of community participation in online social networks: R.I.P. pages in Facebook. First Monday. https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v0i0.3935