Considering gifting a DNA test for Father’s Day? These experts say to think twice

Once the crime labs and TV shows arrive, DNA tests They have instead become popular gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Rapid tests such as 23andMe and Ancestral DNA We’ve made learning more about your family history easier, cheaper and faster than ever before.

But in her new book Psychology of genealogyPsychologist Susan Moore warns that you should consider all the risks before taking the test.

“Should you give DNA kits as gifts? It can be fun, and it can be risky,” Moore said.

Why you should be careful

Aside from the safety concerns of a company that has your DNA on file with potential Data breaches and Privacy concernsEmotional repercussions can be an unexpected — but not uncommon — consequence of these DNA tests. While genetic testing promises answers and connections, these results can upend long-held beliefs about your identity and your family.

Read more: Are you tired of beard oil and booze as Father’s Day gifts? We have over 30 different options you can try instead

With over 30 million users and a multi-billion dollar industry, surprising matches and results are commonplace. Misattributed paternity, donor pregnancy detections, late adoptions, and unknown family members have all emerged from growing databases. For people who are not prepared for these outcomes, the psychological effects can be severe, according to Moore.

Moore calls it “identity disruption” when new genetic information can undermine a person’s sense of self and belonging. Some digest the news and move on, while others face betrayal, mistrust and grief, she says.

Why do people test anyway?

There are many practical and real risks when it comes to DNA testing. So why are millions of people still buying it and sending their swabs in?

Moore points to some underlying motivations, such as curiosity, the need to be rooted, and the intellectual thrill of uncovering family lore about why people continue to undergo genetic testing. Genealogy can bring happiness when people find long-lost relatives or overcome research obstacles. However, curiosity often encounters harsh and unexpected truths.

“DNA gives you some new and interesting clues about the structure of your family tree, but the hard work still needs to be done to understand that evidence,” Moore said.

If you’re still interested in pursuing genetic testing anyway, Moore offers some simple advice: Only get tested if you want to explore the breed and are willing to learn how to interpret the results and contact matches ethically. Don’t gift a kit without asking first, and make sure recipients are emotionally prepared and aware of the privacy risks.