Social media profiles maintain a bustling presence even after the death of some past Congress members, creating a perplexing ethical conundrum in the digital age.
At a Glance
- Social media profiles can persist long after individuals have passed, complicating online experiences of grief.
- Posthumous updates on accounts of deceased lawmakers spark debate about transparency and respect.
- There is no consistent policy for managing digital legacies of lawmakers, raising ethical concerns.
- Innovative solutions like digital wills and memorial platforms are proposed to address these challenges.
Digital Ghosts: Remains That Haunt
Digital ghosts introduce new complexities regarding the handling of online content left behind. The persistence of these profiles, especially those of deceased Congress members, keeps their presence alive, stirring uncomfortable emotions for those grieving. For instance, the social media account of Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly continued to update after his passing, even endorsing a former chief of staff for office, fueling debates about ethics and the authenticity of digital communications.
Example: "After Zohran Mamdani’s apparent victory in the New York Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday, former Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) liked an Instagram post congratulating him on his win.
The only problem — Jackson Lee died last July." https://t.co/R7k7PpRCh1
— Brit Hume (@brithume) June 28, 2025
Watch a report: Dead members of Congress can’t stop posting on social media
These digital remnants, termed as “digital ghosts,” remind us of the blurred line between virtual presence and the reality of someone’s passing. While platforms like Facebook have options to memorialize accounts, allowing reflection, they muddy these lines further. This issue becomes more compounded with the growth of AI, potentially enabling continued interaction with AI-generated versions of deceased individuals.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Digital Legacies
Managing digital legacies raises substantial ethical dilemmas. Tech companies often require proof of death to access accounts, but without policies in place, there’s potential for misuse and ethical breaches. Critics have called posts on deceased officials’ accounts “ghoulish” and “creepy,” particularly when they shift to endorse living successors. Despite these issues, stakeholders have explored solutions to navigate this complex terrain, encouraging the drafting of digital wills and promoting community rituals that incorporate meaningful digital remembrances.
Discussion also surrounds the political implications when accounts of deceased Congress members continue to be active, without a clear protocol. The unintended consequences often extend to perceptions of transparency and respect for the deceased.
Emphasizing Humanistic Digital Practices
As the conversation around online legacies continues, the importance of empathy, consent, and authenticity stands out. Moreover, when estimating future scenarios, a sage approach emphasizes preserving digital heritage rather than commodifying it. Research underscores the need for a balanced, dignified approach, with some projecting a future where deceased Facebook profiles may reach up to 4.9 billion by 2100.
