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

by Debbie Kennett

An easy-to-use guide to finding one's ancestors with the latest in new technology and scientific techniques—including blogs, web auctions, wikis, and YouTube Presenting the future of family history, this up-to-date book offers a guide to using social networking, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a research tool and explains the facts and potential of DNA testing for the genealogist. Family history research has come a long way from the local record office—now 21st-century scientific and technological developments have changed the way people look into their family pasts, allowing them to delve further back. Many tools which were not conceived with the genealogist in mind are increasingly being exploited by family historians, either to advance their research or to network with other genealogists. Many family historians struggle to cope with these new technologies and this book explains how to use these new tools effectively.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

274 pages, Kindle Edition

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significant developments in the field, so it is hard to judge if the book has gaps on the basis that it is now clearly out of date.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if nothing else it does offer a good early grounding on which to base further reading, but much of its content has been superseded by scientific, family history and other social developments.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.