This is all part of the modern world of technology. Back in the day when there was no internet, it wasn't hard to get the word out to what was probably a fairly compartmentalized circle of people of someone had fallen ill or, God forbid, passed. People who lived farther away or were more casual friends may have gotten a letter or a newspaper clipping. Now, one can have friends who a) lived all over the world or b) are completely separate from other factions of the person's life. In my case, my hubby would know to log-on (or have someone do it) to let people know if something happened to me. (He would also know how important that would be to me.) Also, I am friends on social media with others here so the news could always get out that way. However, that may not be the case with everyone. They may have friends in groups like this and others that aren't part of their day-to-day, 'real' life and thus wouldn't hear the news like people they work with, or go to Church with, etc...and no one would think to let them know or, perhaps, how to.
