Due to rapid advancements and public access to genetic testing, digital, and communication technologies, a rising number of adults are engaged in the search for previously unknown relatives. Indeed, there are now unprecedented opportunities to locate and discover ‘long-lost family’, using home-based DNA kits, along with online historical/archival digitalized records and other media sources. However, there is a dearth of research on this timely topic area, although recent studies have revealed some psycho-social and emotional impacts on self, belonging, and family. Additionally, few studies have focused on the role that technology/media have played in these processes and how new meanings of ‘family’ and related socio-cultural identities are transformed. To further explore this topic, data are drawn from an ongoing, online international survey of over 250 ‘amateur’ (unpaid) family genealogists aged 55+, including over 50 in-depth narratives. Preliminary results show how various technologies influenced these activities. For example, social media networks (e.g., Facebook) are found to facilitate searches, as well as create new social connections and a sense of community. Implications for theorizing emergent technology-mediated forms of family life in contemporary society are highlighted, as well as some ethical/moral issues relevant to these practices.

Authors:
Barbara Mitchell, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Asli Ozer, Simon Fraser University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Barbara Mitchell, is a Professor of Sociology and Gerontology, and Chair of the Dept. of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University, B.C., Canada. She was educated at the University of Waterloo (Hon. BA/MA) and McMaster University (PhD).

Connect on Linkedin
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/barbara-mitchell-51ab25132

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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