Public Perceptions of Digital Death Narratives: A Qualitative Exploration of Online Discourse on Mortality and Media Representation
Abstract
The rapid digitalization of communication has transformed how societies perceive, discuss, and represent death. This qualitative study explores how users interpret online coverage of death-related issues, drawing from perspectives in sociology, anthropology, and media studies. Using thematic analysis of social media discourse, digital journalism, and user-generated content, this research examines emotional responses, ethical tensions, and cultural narratives surrounding online death representations. Findings reveal a complex interplay between empathy, spectacle, and desensitization—highlighting the ways digital media both humanize and commodify death. This study contributes to understanding the evolving socio-cultural relationship between mortality and digital communication in the 21st century.
Keywords
digital death, online mourning, media representation, user perception, social mediaHow to Cite
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