Traditionally, obituaries were published in local newspapers, but with the rise of the internet, many families now consider publishing them online. However, there are pros and cons of publishing an obituary online. Publishing an obituary online has many advantages, such as reaching a wider audience and being more cost-effective. Families can include more details, add photos and videos, and easily share the obituary. However, there are also downsides, like privacy concerns, the potential for unwanted comments, and the risk that some people may miss the obituary if they are not online.
Table of Contents
Pros of Publishing an Obituary Online
Here’s why you should consider online obituaries:
Wider Reach
One of the biggest advantages of an online obituary is that it can reach a larger audience; unlike newspapers, which are limited to specific locations, it can be accessed by people worldwide. This is especially helpful for families with relatives and friends in different countries.
Cost-Effective
Publishing an obituary in a newspaper may be costly, particularly if you include a lengthy message or several photographs. Online obituaries, however, are either free or are much cheaper. Funeral homes post free obituaries on their websites, and there are websites specifically for obituaries that enable families to post information with little or no cost.
More Space for Information
Newspapers cost by the line or word, which restricts how much information you can add. Online obituaries allow for unlimited content. Families can post in-depth life stories, accomplishments, and personal messages without space constraints.
Ability to Add Photos and Videos
An online obituary allows families to include multiple photos and videos, helping create a more meaningful tribute to the deceased. Friends and family members can see the person’s life journey through pictures and video clips, making the memorial more personal and engaging.
Easy to Share
It is easy to share an online obituary. Families can send the obituary link through email, social media, or messaging applications with just a few clicks, and it is easy for people to get and share the information in no time.
Interactive Features
Most online obituary sites have a feature whereby visitors can post comments, reminisce, and pay condolences. This feature creates a virtual memorial where loved ones can comfort one another and commemorate the departed’s life.
Permanent Tribute
Unlike newspaper obituaries, which are gone after a day or two, online obituaries are available forever. Relatives and friends can visit the obituary anytime to read messages, see photos, and reminisce about their loved ones.
Cons of Publishing an Obituary Online
Here are the cons you should look out for:
Privacy Concerns
Publishing personal information online always carries privacy risks. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing details such as the deceased’s full name, birthdate, or address, and identity thieves or scammers can misuse this information.
Risk of Unwanted Comments
Although obituaries online enable individuals to leave nice things, there is also the danger of getting uncomplimentary or offending comments. Websites are not always highly moderated, meaning spam or insulting things might be left.
Internet Scams and Fraud
Unfortunately, scammers occasionally exploit obituaries that appear online to commit fraud. Scammers can target grieving families with false fundraising campaigns or other scams using information from the obituary. Families must be careful not to provide personal information such as addresses or money details.
Digital Obituaries May Not Be For the Elderly
Even if most people have access to the internet, elderly relatives or friends might not know how to navigate online platforms, and some people will miss the critical information if an obituary appears only online. Older generations, in particular, will miss the information since they get news and announcements from newspapers.
Less Formality
Others feel that a newspaper obituary is more respectful and formal. An online obituary could look too casual for a significant announcement, particularly one released on social media. Specific cultures and backgrounds also stress printed obituaries as a proper means of paying respects to the dead.
Technical Issues
Not everybody is technologically savvy; some families might not be able to put up and create an online obituary. Website errors, bugs, or limited access to the internet can prove problematic for others.
Dependence on Websites
If the obituary is posted on a website, the site could close down or delete it. In contrast to a published obituary, which can be retained as a tangible memory, an online obituary can be temporary unless saved or printed by the family.
Conclusion
Publishing obituaries in Oklahoma City online has clear benefits, such as reaching a wider audience and offering more flexibility with space, photos, and videos. It allows families to share important memories easily and encourages community support through interactive features. However, there are drawbacks, including privacy risks, potential negative comments, and the chance that some people may miss the information if they are not tech-savvy.
Families should consider these pros and cons when deciding how to honor their loved ones. Balancing the broader reach of online obituaries with the potential challenges can help ensure that the tribute is respectful and accessible to all who wish to remember the deceased.
