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Another typical day, you mindlessly scroll through Facebook, catching up on your acquaintances' lives and stumbling upon posts that pique your interest, while also seeing countless ads for products you've discussed with friends or have a personal fondness for. Suddenly, a friend's suggestion appears, and the moment you see the name and profile picture, it all comes rushing back – the day you learned of their passing. That unsettling feeling resurfaces, along with the flood of emotions you experienced then – shock, disbelief, and a profound sense of loss. Your finger hovers over the 'Add Friend' button, and your mind races. Why is this inactive profile still active, and why is Facebook's algorithm, driven by artificial intelligence, resurfacing this notification, triggering such a reaction? This is not a fictional tale, but a reality faced by many Facebook users.

Receiving a birthday wish for someone who passed away years ago can be a deeply unsettling experience. Similarly, seeing a pending friend request from a loved one who is no longer with us can stir up a mix of emotions, from uncertainty to heartache. These digital remnants of those we've lost can be a constant and challenging reminder of their absence, making the grieving process even more difficult. As mental health professionals explain, the digital archives left behind can intensify feelings of sadness, longing, and grief, as the constant exposure to memories can amplify the sense of loss. While these online spaces may also serve as a platform for loved ones to come together and celebrate the lives of the departed, they can also complicate the process of moving forward and finding closure. Navigating the delicate balance between cherishing memories and allowing for healing is a journey that many must face in the digital age.

Accessing the social media profile of a deceased loved one can provide a means for the bereaved to feel more connected to them in their absence. This digital link allows individuals to engage with memories and glimpses of the departed, fostering a sense of closeness during the grieving process. However, counselling psychologist Absy Sam cautions that the repeated exposure to the deceased's online presence, even intermittently, can also complicate and intensify the already complex journey of grief and loss.

Facebook currently allows users to commemorate deceased people and request that their profile be deleted. This process requires certain documents such as a death certificate or death certificate. A memorial account is a place where friends and family can gather and share memories after someone's death. “I remember you” appears next to your name on your profile. Birthday profiles are not displayed in public places, such as: B. from people you may know, in advertisements or in birthday reminders. Depending on your account privacy settings, your friends can share memories on your memorable profile. However, many people are unaware of these options and some may find the practice offensive.

Facebook already uses machine learning to analyze user behavior (both on and off Facebook) to deliver personalized experiences and ads, but it will confidently embed AI to identify profiles of deceased people. In 2019, the social media platform's CEO, Sheryl Sandberg, announced that it had "improved artificial intelligence so that profiles of deceased loved ones are no longer painfully displayed." “If an account isn't yet memorable, we use artificial intelligence to help with actions that can be frustrating, like inviting someone to an event or sending a friend a birthday reminder. We are trying to do it better and faster,” he wrote. Looking five years into the future and including a global pandemic that has killed more than 7 million people, Facebook is clearly fighting AI in this scenario. In the meantime, mental health experts share tips for avoiding and coping with social media triggers associated with people who are no longer with us.

We can't bubble wrap the world to avoid triggers, but we can learn to cope with grief. Sadness means we were in love. We can learn to deal with grief and pain. The presence of a deceased person on social media can keep people preoccupied with their grief, and I agree that it can stop one from moving on.

Abashi Sam suggests:

- Limit your presence: Control when and how often you see reminders with features like block, mute, hide, and unfollow.

- Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques: Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, to manage immediate emotional reactions.

- Honoring the Deceased: Create opportunities to honor the deceased with respect. This could be lighting a candle, writing in a journal, visiting a meaningful place, or participating in an activity you enjoy. This helps create a feeling of connection.

- Stay away from social media: Limit your time on social media and stay away from regular reminders.

- If triggers persist and significantly interfere with daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional counseling from a therapist who specializes in grief and loss.