نبذة مختصرة : This study explores the functions of memorial community groups on Facebook that are created for loved ones who have passed. With the help of a qualitative text analysis, where the communication between the members have been observed, three main functions of the group have been identified. The first function is giving information to family members about the person who has passed but also about the time and place for the burial and memorial. The information is often given by family members but is also at times demanded. The function exemplifies how the group context on the one hand expands the amount of people who are informed, and more specifically that it creates a more focused and defined recipient group. On the other hand, the defined group context contributes with a difficulty to control the kind, and amount, of information that is spread to the group members. Different kinds of information have been demanded and have been met with negative reactions due to the experienced disrespect towards the individual who has passed and their family members. The second function is the ongoing maintenance of continuing bonds. The concept explains the many ways that family members create and maintain continued bonds with people who have passed away. This has been illustrated in the posts in the group that are written with a direct speech to the deceased and by how the members share stories and experiences about the deceased and their bereavement process. This process creates a feeling that the deceased person is still alive and has what is called a post mortem identity in the (digital) world. The third social function is how the group creates social support for the members and specifically the family members. The group provides members a platform to freely share their thought and experiences related to their bereavement. At the same time, these expressions are met with comforting words of encouragement, highlighting the collective nature of the bereavement process.
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