How Do You Want to Be Remembered

January 25, 2025 · Purpose

In today’s digital age, we leave behind more than just physical possessions when we pass on. Our digital presence—social media profiles, emails, photos, and videos—forms an increasingly significant part of our legacy. The idea of a “digital legacy” refers to how we manage, share, and protect these online assets during our lifetime and beyond. As more people live their lives online, creating a thoughtful and intentional digital legacy has become an essential part of planning for the future.

Leaving behind a well-curated digital legacy can benefit your loved ones, ensure your values and memories are preserved, and protect your privacy. In this article, we explore why leaving a digital legacy is important, the tools that can help, and how you can take action today to shape what you leave behind.

Why is Leaving a Digital Legacy Important?

A digital legacy is more than just a collection of data—it’s a reflection of who we are, what we value, and how we engage with the world. According to a study from The Journal of Digital Preservation, many people fail to plan for the management of their digital assets after they pass, leading to complications for family members who are left to navigate the often confusing and emotional process of accessing and managing digital information. Digital assets, such as bank accounts, social media profiles, and even email communications, can be lost or compromised if not properly planned for.

Moreover, our digital presence often includes important memories such as photos, videos, and written communications. These can be preserved for future generations, helping loved ones to connect with us long after we are gone. A digital legacy can also ensure that important financial and legal documents are easily accessible, preventing stress and confusion for family members who may be struggling to manage affairs in a difficult time.

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What Should You Include in Your Digital Legacy?

When thinking about your digital legacy, consider all the digital content you create, share, and store. These can include:

  1. Social Media Accounts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms hold a wealth of personal information, photos, and communications.
  2. Financial Accounts: Online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, PayPal accounts, and investment portfolios.
  3. Photos and Videos: Your personal media library is an important reflection of your memories and relationships.
  4. Emails and Messages: These contain personal communications, contracts, and significant life events.
  5. Digital Documents: Important documents like your will, life insurance policies, and other legal records.

By organizing and protecting these digital assets, you ensure that they are handled according to your wishes when the time comes. Without proper planning, these assets could be lost, and access may be blocked for loved ones.

Tools to Help You Leave a Digital Legacy

There are several tools and services designed to help you organize, store, and pass on your digital legacy. Here are some of the best options:

1.     Google Inactive Account Manager

Google’s Inactive Account Manager allows you to set up how your Google account (and its associated services, like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Photos) should be managed if it becomes inactive. You can designate trusted contacts who will have access to your account or choose to have your data deleted after a period of inactivity.

Action Step:

2.     Everplans

Everplans is a comprehensive platform designed to store important documents, such as your will, insurance policies, and other personal records. It allows you to designate specific people to manage your accounts upon your passing, ensuring that your digital assets are transferred or deleted according to your instructions.

Action Step:

  • Sign up for an account with Everplans to store your important documents and create a plan for your digital legacy.

3.     SafeBeyond

SafeBeyond is an innovative tool that allows you to store messages, videos, and documents that can be automatically sent to your loved ones in the event of your passing. You can record personal messages, milestones, or instructions that will be shared after you’re gone.

Action Step:

  • Check out SafeBeyond to create a digital vault and leave personal messages for future generations.

4.     Password Management Services (e.g., LastPass)

A password manager, such as LastPass, helps you securely store and share login information for your accounts. By setting up a legacy contact in your password manager, you can ensure that loved ones will be able to access your important accounts without the hassle of guessing passwords.

Action Step:

  • Set up your LastPass account and designate a legacy contact to pass on your password information if needed.

How to Start Creating Your Digital Legacy

  1. Inventory Your Digital Assets: Start by taking stock of all your online accounts and digital content. Make a list of your social media profiles, email accounts, financial accounts, and storage systems.
  2. Organize Your Files: Organize your photos, videos, and documents so that they are easy for someone to access and manage. Consider using cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to store important files.
  3. Set Up Digital Legacy Plans: Use tools like Google Inactive Account Manager, Everplans, or SafeBeyond to create a plan for how your digital assets will be managed.
  4. Communicate Your Wishes: Inform trusted family members or friends about your plans for your digital legacy. Make sure they know how to access your accounts and what your preferences are.

Action Step:

  • Set aside time each month to update your digital legacy plan as your accounts and assets evolve.

Final Thoughts: Designing a Legacy That Reflects You

Your digital legacy is an extension of who you are and how you want to be remembered. By taking the time to organize, protect, and share your digital assets, you ensure that your loved ones will have everything they need to manage your affairs and preserve your memories. A thoughtful digital legacy can also offer peace of mind, knowing that your personal and professional stories will be managed with care.

What digital legacy do you want to leave behind? How are you planning to organize and protect your digital assets for future generations?

Join the conversation at the Age Brilliantly Forum and share your thoughts on designing your digital legacy!