Death and Other Stories: What is Thanatechnology?

In this solo episode, Michelle discusses the history of the Internet as relates to death and grief (aka thanatechnology). Topics include the generations of the Internet (including the emergence of Web 3), the role of smartphones and social media, and the associated impacts on how we communicate about death and grief. This episode also lays out what the rest of the season will cover, with topics across the spectrum of dying and bereavement - from end of life planning to ongoing grief, with a focus on how tech affects these practices.      References:  Doka, K. J. (1985). Expectation of death, participation in funeral arrangements, and grief adjustment. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 15(2), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.2190/HG24-EBR1-503H-C69V Refslund Christensen, D., & Gotved, S. (2015). Online memorial culture: An introduction. New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia, 21(1-2), 1-9. Sofka, C. J. (1997). Social support" internetworks," caskets for sale, and more: Thanatology and the information superhighway. Death Studies, 21(6), 553-574. https://doi.org/10.1080/074811897201778