I’ve worked in genetics settings, and am considering a career in it – which is partially why I wouldn’t want to send my DNA in. I don’t really see a point in it because you said, its mostly statistical analysis and, buy and large, isn’t very specific.

For lack of better term this privatized genetic screening phenomenon feels like pop science on crack. Spit in a tube, have the cool science company analyze it - find out cool stuff. But when I’m asked about it, I always warn people of the same thing. This is still a relatively new field. Legislation protecting people on the privacy of their genetic code is shaky at best, and the information you get isn’t going to be all that useful.

My parents both come from different ethic minority populations so they wanted to learn more about their roots.

taking these tests for medical reasons, or for adopted people

which in response to that - I’d say that that another case could be for people that do have a curiosity of where they came from given other unique familial backgrounds - which is why I mentioned my family. But I agree it’s hard to draw the line on cost/benefits for each person and where it’s merely novelty versus having legitimate benefit.

for getting a better medical understanding - I really think that it would be better to see a genetic counselor or clinical geneticist. It’s still a growing field in medicine so there aren’t that many - and they typically work in prenatal and pediatric settings. But it’s my hope that as the profession grows, this information will be liaised more by medical professionals - both to guide people in understanding the results of genetic screens and also so that this information is protected under patient privacy laws.

apologies if this was a little scattered. I’m kinda a nerd for genetics and have a lot of thoughts about it - and this was mostly me thinking as I was writing

Damn, “biological astrology” is dialed in, very well said!

The vast majority of people in the general public would give happily to both, so I’m not sure what your point is here.

It’s only places like this that fear these things.

It doesn’t matter if you give them information. If your second cousin did, then they can find you.

Well in my case I never knew my birth family or where I’m from.

So it’s not about feeling superior. It’s about having a slice of belonging.

@YaaAsantewaa @shreddy_scientist one reason is diversity, but yes, checking that with DNA is stupid because it matters much more where you grew up