Tonight’s the night! Let’s go out on a good note here! #genchat

Well, it's the very last #genchat on Twitter & I'm glad to see you all here tonight. Ironically, our topic is The Future of Genealogy!

ICEBREAKER #genchat Do you remember any past genealogy predictions that have come to pass?

I had intended to look for some of our predictions from the Jan 15, 2016 #genchat, where we asked "What do you think some of the future trends in genealogy might be?" (But ran out of time)

Some of our predictions back then were DNA-related: more integration; more cloud-based applications; A genealogy program with a Mind Map sort of interface for Analyzing documents or visualizing Family Connections #genchat

Q1 #genchat How will genealogy software need to account for changes in family structures?

A1 #genchat As it is, I don't feel current software accounts well for surrogacy and the like.

Q2 #genchat As we research, how do we balance record availability, data obsolescence and privacy?

A2 #genchat I think the 3 factors in the question make it really hard to keep up with genealogical information as it comes out...and if it stays out!

Q3 #genchat The DNA service landscape is already changing (23&Me, Gedmatch). How might this impact how we use DNA in our research?

Q4 #genchat How are ethical standards for using AI in genealogy research and reporting being developed?

A4 #genchat I'm not on the cutting edge of AI, but from what I've seen, the use of AI has far outpaced the development of standards for using it.

Q5 #genchat How will the genealogy community evolve in the future? More online, in-person, or something else?

Q6 #genchat How can we contribute to the future of genealogy in a positive way?

A6 #genchat Here are my thoughts: be ethical, but truthful, be kind, encourage others in their genealogical journey.

Any other thoughts, ladies & gentlemen? #genchat

On that note, it's time to say goodbye to this venue. Please: find us on Bluesky! #genchat Geneva Chatmon.bsky.social

As the credits roll: Thanks to all who are here & who have left Twitter to make #genchat what it's become. I hope to see it even better in the clear blue sky!