This project seeks to explore our perception of death, mortality, mourning processes and death-related rituals within the online world. I specifically look at the Social Network site Facebook as a case study. I argue that new media - such as digital technology like the Internet - is transforming the way we see ourselves and the world, affecting our perception of death and death-related aspects, yet not replacing offline practices. My exploration takes Katherine Hayles’ notion of pattern/randomness as the key theoretical axis and lens of my research.

I strengthen my argument by creating a fictional future scenario situated ten years from now in a Western developed cultural context (i.e. Toronto), where trends of online practices are exaggerated. My studio work, in this scenario, are mourning pieces. It takes the form of wearable technology products that convey Facebook data of a deceased user, and are meant to be used by the bereaved. However, I have created these products from a critical design perspective, wherein products work as commentary, provocation to the public and a way to open up discussion on the topic.

This thesis project is interdisciplinary in content and form, looking at and exploring fields such as critical theory, philosophy, social science, critical design, various design practices and advertising.