Well, nobody likes to be facing the end of the road in times when you dream about prom night or study for finals. However, creating a digital will folder is probably the most responsible step you can take right now in regard to the future of your family. Creating such a folder may seem quite serious; yet, it is just about saving passwords and files for your parents to avoid getting locked out of your digital life. Consider it as your ultimate homework assignment to get your adult credits.
In modern days, we store our whole life in smartphones and laptops. In case something unfortunate happens to you, your parents will have to enter different accounts in Instagram, Steam, or Netflix and manage them. Otherwise, without such a preparation, they will be either denied from accessing something valuable or stuck in unnecessary charges forever. This process sounds quite unpleasant for all of you in times of trouble.
To begin with, you need to find a reliable place to store all necessary data. It is better not to write anything on sticky notes that will stay in your desk drawer. There is an opportunity to use password manager services such as Bitwarden and 1Password, since they encrypt stored data. This way, your data will be encrypted by the master password known only by you and the chosen person.
Then, you need to generate a master password to be able to enter this manager and make it strong and memorable enough to remember while studying for a biology exam. After that, you start entering all your accounts used daily in the manager. Among these accounts will be your email, various school portals, and social media applications such as TikTok.
Think about what to do with your digital gaming legacy as well. Most likely, there are a couple of hundred dollars worth of skins in Fortnite and numerous games in Steam. Add all the logins of your accounts to the digital will in order to let your siblings or cousins to continue your gaming legacy in the lobby. This step may seem unimportant; yet, it helps to keep your memory alive.
Then, create a simple text document where you explain where everything is located. Here, you need to write the name of the used password manager and generated master password. This document can be stored on the USB drive or printed and kept in some place safely. It can be passed to your parents or guidance counselor.
Here, you need to include the instructions for your phone in the text document. Write if you use a certain PIN code or the Face ID to unlock your smartphone. Describe how to bypass two-factor authentication in case if it is activated in the settings of your smartphone. You will have to add the phone number of your parents as the backup verification option.
Think about your creative legacy as well if you are engaged in any activities. If you write stories in Google Docs or make video editing in Adobe Premiere, then you have to save these files somehow to make them accessible. Transfer your best projects to the shared Dropbox or Google Drive folder with appropriate title. You want your family to see your works, not a log-in screen.
Social media will be complicated in this matter since policies of these platforms may differ. Facebook allows designating the legacy contact to manage the memorialized profile. In Instagram, the login sharing is prohibited; however, they can still ask to memorialize or delete the account after the user's death. Write your preferences concerning each social media.
It may also be important to think about the subscriptions which will be regularly charging your bank card. Such services as Spotify, Disney Plus or even forgotten gym membership subscription need to be written down. They need to cancel them to stop the financial bleeding. Even though it may seem boring, it will save both their money and nerves.
Even if you consider financial issues inappropriate to discuss as a high school student, you have to think about this point as well. If you have a bank account or some Venmo balance, you have to mention it. Although there may not be much money there, your parents should know where these funds are hidden. You have to treat this information as your social media passwords.
There is also a psychological aspect of this digital will folder. Think about writing a few letters or making some voice memos to your dear ones. You have to add these files to the separate folder entitled "Personal Messages" on the storage space of your computer. It may seem awkward now, but they will appreciate this message more than any password.
Here, the security is an important aspect. It means that you should never share any of this data in the group chat. Do not send any passwords via DMs since this chat may be hacked or screenshotted. You can use only password manager and physical backup method described above. You try to build a vault, not the trail of breadcrumbs.
You need to update this folder at least twice per year or after changing the important password. As you change your style every year, the digital will needs to be updated as well. You can set a reminder on your smartphone to revise everything on the first day of summer. This action takes only ten minutes but makes your safety net effective.
It may seem as if you invite some bad luck to happen to you; however, this is only superstitious thinking. This action is just mature and shows your loved ones that you care about them. You gain control over your digital footprint instead of leaving it chaotic. This is basically an ultimate lifehack.
So, eat some snacks, turn on your laptop and organize your digital life. Your future self and your family will appreciate it. It is an unusual type of homework that is useful in the real world.
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