Navigating Digital Grief: Discovering Support and Healing in Today's Online Landscape

At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Beth Hoffman serves as an Assistant Professor in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, concentrating on harnessing media to foster health education. Her prior research examined anti-vaccine sentiments on Facebook, tobacco misinformation on youth platforms, and social media's role in processing grief. Following the tragic loss of her sister, Emily, who succumbed to injuries from a vehicular accident, Dr. Hoffman confronts her personal grief. Emily's organs were donated, exemplifying her selfless nature—a comfort to Dr. Hoffman. Grief varies by individual and cultural context. Dr. Hoffman acknowledges its non-linear progression, noting that the passing years can heighten sadness. Her involvement with TCF SIBS, a bereavement group on Facebook, provided her a supportive community. Engaging with others who share similar experiences led to in-person friendships and discoveries, emphasizing the universality of loss. Dr. Hoffman seeks to develop innovative frameworks for grieving in the digital realm, advocating for mindful online practices and fostering supportive connections amidst grief.