Next New

In this era of utilizing various forms of new media, anything new relating to new media that is created will build upon any type of new media already in existence today. A new type of “new media” that is not currently in place is for matters relating to the death care industry. Technology makes our lives easier during our lifetime, so it should also extend to our treatment after death. It is an unavoidable part of our lives, and these sad events can be difficult to plan without proper guidance and research. To avoid hardships for families dealing with loss, I propose that the use of virtual reality software, computer software, and a mobile application can be used by the relevant parties such as funeral directors. These new media technologies can be used when interacting directly with families to streamline and simplify the process of services, method of final deposition for the remains, and selection of grave markers. From previous research I have done on this topic, more transparency and clear dissemination of facts to dispel misinformation is needed in the death care industry.

Interactive funeral planning using VR headsets can help families visualize and plan the proper funeral or memorial service for their departed loved one. Details about the services such as the placement and design of floral arrangements, the color of the casket, and lighting can all be customized to the family’s wishes. In addition, the design of the grave marker can be virtually shown to the family using computer drawing software and can be confirmed by the family to avoid any mistakes from being made on the physical headstone. The mobile app can be used to confirm and check up on payment for the services and grave marker, completion of the headstone, and even ask questions to the funeral director themselves about any requirements before the scheduled service. This also prevents funeral directors from overcharging the family for any services that are rendered because a breakdown of the total price will be made available promptly after making final arrangements.

Finally, one of the most important choices that must be made by the family is selecting the method for the final disposition of the remains. The most common choices are burial, fire-powered cremation, and donation to science. An increasingly popular choice is water cremation. In fact, my research for a feature article story in a previous journalism class revealed that water cremation is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fired powered cremation. In many cases, it is also the same price as or is less expensive than conventional cremation. However, this method of final disposition is not currently legalized in all fifty states in America, and many individuals have not even heard of this green alternative at all. With the use of a mobile app, software, or relevant section on a company’s website, more information can be spread to the public about those choices of final disposition as well as clarification on common misconceptions about death and the death care industry. Furthermore, increased support from customers or funeral home directors for environmentally sound methods such as water cremation help to protect our world from more pollution and to finally legalize this method in the U.S.