Most people use at least one social medial platform (Seidman, 2020). Social media platforms can provide a glimpse into the lives of others. Such platforms reveal things about us like friendships, personality traits, hobbies, and interests. They also help find lost loves and family members, they help us share photos and memories, and can even be used in more sinister ways like stalking and cyberstalking. However, the use of social media to post negative life circumstances is relatively rare. People often use these platforms to show others that life is seemingly going well. Oftentimes, if things are not going well, it will not be overtly obvious, but rather, others may notice a change in the kinds and types of posts, the emotions surrounding posts, the lack of posting, the removal of profile pictures, etc.
However, after a death by suicide, it is important to learn as much about the Decedent as possible. There are often parts of one’s life in which others may have little knowledge of or areas that may not have been accessible to others. Oftentimes, it is the “why” regarding a death by suicide that is illusive and not as easily understood. Social media is a great place to begin, though it is important to remember that this is a skewed glimpse at best.
Here are a few suggested social media and online platforms to search:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Snapchat
YouTube
WhatsApp
Messenger
Instagram
Tumblr
Tik Tok
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Personally, I like to start with Facebook. It is among the most popular sites out there and it provides many basic types of information, which can assist when searching other platforms. Before venturing onto Facebook and other online platforms, it is suggested to find a copy of the Decedent’s obituary. This will also hold clues in which proper verification can be done and other family and friends can be located online. Often, it is through the profiles of family and friends that additional information can be gleaned.
Social media allows a search for the personal life, family, friends, likes and dislikes, the long-term emotional state of the Decedent, and major life events in the months, weeks, and days preceding death. Remember, on sites like Facebook, unless you are friends with the Decedent, certain areas and content may not be viewable or public to you. It is suggested to screen capture as much information as possible, as the Decedent’s profile may be taken down at any time, in which case valuable information may be lost. It is suggested to place all screen shots in a folder on you desktop for easy access. It is also suggested to label the content so you do not forget what it is or where you retrieved it.
References
Seidman, G. (2020). What can we learn about people from their social media? Retrieved March 31, 2021, from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/202009/what-can-we-learn-about-people-their-social-media
