We all heard about the wide-spread trend of taking a DNA test to know one’s ethnic background. While the idea of making people realise our ancestry origins may be scattered all around the world is laudable, are the tests results reliable enough?

 

Scientists refer to DNA tests as “recreational science”. One thing to bear in mind is that the tests, provided by companies like MyHeritage and 23andme, can’t tell where your ancestors came from. The tests are saying what DNA percentage you inherited from your ancestors, not taking into consideration all your ancestors, but only the ones whose genes you have inherited. That’s why siblings never have the same results. Moreover, 23andme precise on their website that their tests are only 50% accurate.

 

Personally, despite knowing all these things, I decided to take one of these tests. I’ve been doing research into my family genealogy for two years now, and I have found more than 400 of my ancestors on a 400 years’ scale. I was curious to know if a DNA test would match my research results.

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From my research, I’ve learnt that my family is from the west and east of France, the west of Germany and Sweden.

 

I found taking a DNA test a fun experience, even if it was maybe a bit expensive for the little information it gave me (€59) as tests only provide an indication on your origins.

 

To me DNA tests should be regarded as a tool to learn additional information about one’s family’s and world history. They're also a good way to connect with old people in your family who will nonetheless probably be able to teach you much more about your family’s history than any DNA test will.