In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with the online world. We share photos on social media, communicate through email, manage finances with online banking, and store countless memories in the cloud. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens to your digital presence after you pass away?
Just as you plan for the distribution of your physical assets, it’s equally important to consider what will happen to your digital assets—your digital legacy. In this blog, we’ll explore why digital legacy planning is crucial, the steps you can take to protect your online presence, and how Mori can help you manage this vital aspect of life planning.
What is a Digital Legacy?
A digital legacy refers to the digital information that remains after you pass away. This includes everything from social media accounts and emails to digital photos, online banking accounts, and even cryptocurrency wallets. Just as your physical assets—such as property, investments, and personal belongings—need to be managed and distributed according to your wishes, so too do your digital assets.
Without proper planning, your loved ones could be left navigating a complex web of online accounts and digital information, unsure of how to access or manage these assets in a way that respects your wishes.
Why Digital Legacy Planning is Important
- Protect Your Privacy:
- Without a plan, your online accounts could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, or they might be left in limbo, creating potential privacy risks. Planning for your digital legacy ensures that your personal information is protected and managed according to your wishes.
- Ease the Burden on Loved Ones:
- Grieving is hard enough without the added stress of managing a loved one’s digital presence. By organizing your digital assets and leaving clear instructions, you can ease the burden on your family, allowing them to focus on what really matters—celebrating your life and legacy.
- Ensure Your Legacy Lives On:
- Your digital presence is an extension of your identity. Digital legacy planning allows you to control how you are remembered online, ensuring that your digital footprint reflects the values and memories you hold dear.
Common Digital Assets to Consider
When planning your digital legacy, it’s important to take inventory of your digital assets. Here are some common categories to consider:
- Social Media Accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
- Email Accounts: Personal and work-related email accounts.
- Online Banking and Financial Accounts: Bank accounts, investment accounts, PayPal, Venmo, etc.
- Digital Photos and Videos: Stored on cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox.
- Subscriptions and Memberships: Streaming services, online memberships, and subscriptions.
- Online Businesses: Websites, blogs, e-commerce stores, etc.
- Cryptocurrency: Digital wallets for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
Each digital platform has its own policies regarding account management after death, so it’s important to understand these policies and how they align with your wishes. Additionally, consider the legal implications of accessing and managing digital assets after death. In some jurisdictions, accessing a deceased person’s accounts without proper authorization can be illegal.
To protect your digital legacy, it’s advisable to include digital assets in your will and consider appointing a digital executor—a person designated to manage your digital assets after you pass away.
Steps to Create a Digital Legacy Plan
- Take Inventory of Your Digital Assets:
- List all your digital assets, including accounts, passwords, and any necessary instructions for accessing them.
- Decide What You Want Done with Each Asset:
- Specify whether you want accounts deleted, memorialized, or transferred to someone else. For financial accounts, provide instructions on how they should be managed.
- Document Your Wishes:
- Include your digital legacy instructions in your will or in a separate document. Make sure your digital executor or another trusted person knows where to find this information.
- Use Mori for Digital Legacy Planning:
- The Mori app simplifies the process of managing your digital legacy. Mori allows you to inventory your digital assets, securely store account information, and set up automated instructions for deleting or transferring accounts after your death. With Mori’s advanced encryption and blockchain technology, you can rest assured that your digital assets are protected.
Real-Life Example:
Consider the story of Jane, who lost her father unexpectedly. He was active on social media and had several online accounts, including a blog where he shared his thoughts and experiences. After his passing, Jane struggled to access his accounts, unsure of what he would have wanted her to do with them. Some accounts remained online, unattended and vulnerable, while others were lost forever. This experience made Jane realize the importance of digital legacy planning, and she took steps to ensure her own online presence would be managed according to her wishes.
Resources and Tools for Digital Legacy Planning
- Mori App: Manage your digital assets and create a comprehensive digital legacy plan with ease.
- Google Inactive Account Manager: Set up how you want your Google account managed if it becomes inactive.
- Facebook Memorialization Settings: Choose what happens to your Facebook account after you pass away.
- Legal Tools: Consult with an attorney to include digital assets in your will and appoint a digital executor.
Take Control of Your Digital Legacy Today
Planning for your digital legacy is an essential part of life planning in the digital age. By taking the time to organize your digital assets and document your wishes, you can protect your online presence and ensure that your legacy is preserved. With Mori, the process is simple, secure, and tailored to your needs.
Don’t leave your digital legacy to chance. Start planning today with Mori, and take control of your online presence, both now and in the future.
About the Author:
Jocelyn Campbell is the CEO of Health ComplyAi and the creator of Mori. Known as The Death Coach, Jocelyn is a dedicated advocate for end-of-life care and has authored several books on the subject. Her passion for helping others navigate life’s transitions is the driving force behind Mori and The Living Room.
