Question from a reader:
I saw my deceased friend’s Instagram, and the follower section said “Not applicable.” Why is that? Did the police do something? This is only happening with that friend.

Reasons Why a Friend’s Instagram Shows “Not Applicable”

Hello! This time, I would like to discuss a somewhat sensitive topic. You mentioned that after losing a friend, you looked
at their Instagram and found the follower section marked as “Not applicable.” This is indeed a very concerning point. I personally believe that losing a friend is a very painful experience. In such times, looking at social media can be even more heart-wrenching. That’s why I want to delve into the reasons behind why your friend’s Instagram shows “Not applicable.”

Possibility of Account Being Private or Deleted

The first thing to consider is that the account may have been set to private or possibly deleted. After a friend passes away, family members or close friends may take over the account management, and during that time, they might set it to private or delete it. Generally, social media accounts of deceased individuals tend to remain active, but privacy considerations can lead to such actions. Especially recently, with the widespread use of social media, the importance of personal information and privacy has increased, so it’s understandable that the bereaved might make such decisions.

Legal Aspects of Managing a Deceased Person’s Account

So, what about the legal side? When a social media account belongs to someone who has passed away, how is that account handled? Under Japanese law, when an individual’s rights are terminated upon death, those rights are considered to be inherited by their family. This includes social media accounts. For example, Facebook has a “memorialized account” feature that allows the deceased’s account to be managed in a special way. This means that if the family wishes, they can use the deceased’s account for memorial purposes. However, Instagram does not have such a feature, which might explain why the follower section shows “Not applicable.”

Choices for the Bereaved

The choices that the bereaved make regarding the deceased’s account depend on their values and their relationship with the deceased. I often think about what I would want for my social media accounts if I were to pass away. For instance, while I would be happy if friends and family remembered me through my posts, I also wouldn’t want them to see too much of my private life. The fact that your friend’s Instagram shows “Not applicable” may be due to the family setting it that way, or perhaps the account was deleted, or there might have been some kind of issue.

Police or Legal Intervention

Next, let’s touch on whether the police took any action. Generally, individual social media accounts are rarely operated by police involvement. However, in specific situations, such as when there is a suspicion of foul play, the police may access the account to preserve evidence. However, if your friend passed away from natural causes, there would typically be no need for police intervention. Instead, account management is usually handled by family members or close friends.

Final Thoughts

How we remember the deceased on social media is a very personal matter. There are no right or wrong choices in this regard. The fact that your friend’s Instagram shows “Not applicable” might reflect their wishes or the intentions of their family, and contemplating this may help us remember them. In conclusion, social media serves as a tool for shaping our memories. The memories and messages left by friends continue to influence us through social media. To ensure we don’t forget our deceased friends, it’s important to cherish their feelings while reflecting on those memories. As you can see, many factors are involved in what happens to a social media account. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to discuss it with those around you. You might gain new perspectives. Well then, see you in the next blog!