Death and Dying in a Digitalized World

Abstract

The impact of digitalization on the topic of death and dying seems to be accelerated in recent years. This study aimed to explore the online ways people used to overcome grief and used the COVID-19 restrictions as an example. Thirty-two bereaved participants were interviewed and the data were analyzed using the constructive grounded theory method. Three main themes were extracted from the data: 1) an online way to remember; 2) digitalization of social support, and 3) continuing the bonds. Findings highlighted the important and inevitable role of the digital world in the grief process when there is a restriction in holding usual ceremonies.