Public Perceptions of Digital Death Narratives: A Qualitative Exploration of Online Discourse on Mortality and Media Representation

Section: Articles Published Date: 2025-10-06 Pages: 1-9 Views: 0 Downloads: 0

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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 media