DNA and Social Networking: A Guide to Genealogy in the Twenty-First Century

by Debbie Kennett

The first decade of the new millennium has been an exciting time for the family historian. The increasing availability of online resources has transformed the genealogical research process. DNA testing and the new generation of social networking websites have developed in parallel and are becoming increasingly useful tools. DNA testing can now be used to prove or disprove genealogical connections and will put you in touch with your genetic cousins around the world. It can also take you back beyond the paper trail into your pre-surname history. Social networking tools can help you to find and stay in touch with friends and relatives, and provide new ways to share and collaborate with other researchers. This book looks at all the latest advances in DNA testing from the Y-chromosome tests used in surname projects through to the latest autosomal DNA tests. Debbie Kennett explores the use of new social media, including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and wikis, along with more traditional networking methods. DNA and Social Networking is an indispensable guide to the use of twenty-first-century technology in family history research.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2011

Reviews

[Ken Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

[13 Aug 2021] This really is a well written, easy to read and highly informative account of the uses of DNA testing in Family history. It is simple, logical and easy to understand. Difficult scientific concepts are well described and explained and really helpful in allowing family historians to understand how they might help their research. I enjoyed reading it, but there are inconsistencies, the first part which focuses on DNA, is I think better written and more authoritative than the second part about Networking which is more 'chatty' in style. The important thing to remember is at the time of writing (2011) the science of DNA testing to determine ancestry and origins was really in its infancy and the application of these techniques had not-been fully explored. I am aware that there have been significant developments in the field, so it is hard to judge if the book has gaps on the basis that it is now clearly out of date.

The second part about Networking was less than balanced and although we all know that some social networking sites have advantages, we now know that there are significant risks for the unwary. Some of the sites discussed no longer exist. I enjoyed this book and if nothing else it does offer a good early grounding on which to base further reading, but much of its content has been superseded by scientific, family history and other social developments. The book is good, but now regrettably extremely out-of-date.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers some good resources for people interested in genealogy, DNA testing, and social networking.

[Notetaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are utilizing DNA or considering DNA to assist in genealogy research the book is full of current web sites to assist you in your search. I came away with a better understanding of wikis, projects and how to utilize other online media sites that I was not aware of. It also explained some sites that I was reluctant to subscribe because of concern of value. Not sure I would call it a guide to your ancestry research as the synopsis suggest, depending on what you read into that you could possibly be disappointed. Understanding that DNA is another tool in your genealogy research and it is not likely to fill your tree out, Ms. Kennett shares her experiences on how best to utilize your DNA information.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to DNA's role in genealogy, and how social media websites etc can aid you in research. It is one of those books you can dip in and out of repeatedly, when you need to look something up. I will be going back to it, to re-read the first part on mtDNA, then using some of the many websites that the author lists to research my maternal side of the family. A really good, informative guide.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating read - especially in the light of BBC's 'Meet the Izzards' and my own huge enthusiasm for family history. It reawakened a fascination with genetics, first encountered at uni over 30 years ago, and I will definitely be looking into this aspect of my genealogy now - keen to discover something about my deep ancestry!

[Kerry Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very informative on the value of DNA research in genealogy. She makes clear that it is not a universal solution for genealogical research. The second section on social networking. Networking is a valuable tool for finding current generation relatives and for finding genealogists researching the same lines. The appendices are also valuable for on line research.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great explanation on using DNA in genealogy research. It talks about various testing companies and tests that are available and how they can be utilized by genealogists. A wonderful book for someone who is thinking about exploring DNA as a supplement to their traditional research methods.

[Jimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots and lots and lots of information on the different kinds of dna tests available and websites for genealogy. Wow!

[Bev Lawniczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helped understand what to do with DNA results.