Scoping Review: Digital Communication with the Dead

Abstract

Abstract Digital technology influences our lives in a myriad of ways. As technology evolves, people are increasingly using it to communicate with the dead. This scoping review aims to explore the literature on the growing use of digital technology to communicate with the deceased, highlighting its implications and current understanding of the phenomenon. A search of 25 databases revealed 76 relevant articles that met the criteria for this review. The analysis of the articles revealed three main themes in the research area of communication with the deceased: 1. Different forms of digital death technology are being examined at varying levels of academic rigor; 2. Communicating via digital ‘deathtech’ allows the bereaved to maintain their bonds with their deceased loved ones in ways that are both similar to other methods and unique; and 3. There are potential impacts associated with using digital deathtech to communicate with the dead. In addition to these themes, recommendations for future research are included in the literature. I also identified areas for study based on my review.