The Digital Afterlife: Carlos Acutis
The Digital Afterlife: A Millennial's Legacy Lives On
As the Catholic church begins to embrace technology, the concept of life after death has taken on a whole new dimension with the emergence of Carlo Acutis, the millennial tech whiz and devout Catholic. Despite his passing years ago, his online presence continues to echo through cyberspace, managed meticulously by those entrusted with his digital legacy. So, who is this Carlo Acutis?
Acutis, heralded as a modern-day saint by some, left behind a web catalog and diary of his experiences witnessing Eurcharistic miracles and Marian Apparitions. His devout faith, coupled with his technological prowess, resulted in a unique blend of spirituality and cyberspace, being able to revive messaging to younger, more tech savvy devout christians. He died of leukemia in 2006 and was later was beatified by Pope Frances in 2020.
In the wake of Acutis' departure from the physical realm, the Catholic Church has assumed the responsibility of stewarding his online accounts, ensuring that his message endures beyond his mortal years. Through carefully curated posts, messages, and updates, Acutis continues to inspire and educate, his digital avatar serving as a beacon of hope in a world often fraught with uncertainty.
Yet, amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle of Acutis' digital afterlife, questions inevitably arise regarding the implications for legacy planning in the digital age. As individuals increasingly integrate their lives into the virtual sphere, the need to consider the management of their online presence in a post-mortem place and space.
The case of Acutis serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive digital legacy planning. Just as one might draft a will to allocate assets and possessions, so too should individuals take steps to dictate the fate of their online personas. From designating trusted individuals to manage accounts to outlining preferences for the dissemination of digital content, careful planning can ensure that one's digital legacy aligns with their values and intentions. The dark alternative of the above scenario is that some entity does manage your online persona, accounts and post-mortem messaging for use of their personal commercialization.
In essence, the tale of Carlo Acutis exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between humanity and technology, where the digital realm becomes an extension of the self, transcending the constraints of time and space. As we navigate this brave new world, may we heed the lessons of Acutis' legacy, embracing the potential of the digital afterlife while remaining mindful of the responsibility it entails.
Update: Carlo Acutis is scheduled to be anointed as a saint by the Catholic Church on October 10, 2024, further solidifying his legacy and impact on both the digital and spiritual realms
