Grief in Digital Times: Why You Should Pause Before Hitting Submit! by Kimberly Johnson

In the age of social media and technology, when we find out someone is injured, sick or passes away, we instinctively feel the need to express our sorrow or grief publicly. I'm here to ask you to take a moment or two to pause and think before doing so.

• You won't win a prize for being the first to share the news, so be considerate. 
• Ask yourself how it would feel to scroll through social media and find out from a third party that a close loved one was involved in a tragedy. 
• Don't share on social media until the next of kin has done so personally or via a confirmed representative. For adults or the elderly this may be a spouse or their children; for children, be respectful and follow their parents' lead. 

Remember, while a large portion of the population is plugged in, many are not.