Learn the principles, tools, and responsible practices for using AI in your genealogical research.
The “AI for Genealogists” webinar series provides an essential deep dive into the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence within the family history community. Hosted by Geoff Rasmussen and featuring experts Fiona Brooker and Andrew Redfern, the session titled “Using AI Responsibly: Principles and Ethics” addresses the critical balance between technological innovation and research integrity. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into genealogical workflows—from transcribing documents to generating narratives—understanding the moral and practical implications of these tools is paramount for any researcher wishing to maintain a credible and respectful family legacy. This presentation offers a roadmap for navigating privacy, bias, and the boundaries of creative automation.
The Subjectivity of the “How Far is Too Far?” Threshold: The webinar introduces a dynamic concept where researchers must define their own boundaries regarding AI use, such as creating synthetic photos of ancestors or colorizing historical images. Because personal comfort levels and technological capabilities shift over time, genealogists are encouraged to establish a “movable phase” of ethics, balancing the desire for creative storytelling with the preservation of historical authenticity.
Understanding “Patterns, Not People” in Data Training: A common concern is whether uploading personal research contributes to a public database of family facts. The experts clarify that AI models primarily learn language patterns and question-response structures rather than storing specific ancestral data for other users to access. This distinction highlights that while the AI improves its communication style based on interactions, it does not replace the need for traditional database research.
The Vital Necessity of Human Verification to Combat Hallucinations: Despite the impressive speed and plausibility of AI outputs, the session demonstrates how easily these tools can “hallucinate” incorrect information, such as fabricating source citations or historical records that do not exist. This underscores the principle that AI should function as a supportive apprentice rather than a definitive source, requiring researchers to rigorously verify every claim against primary documents.
Navigating the intersection of cutting-edge technology and historical truth requires a nuanced approach that prioritizes transparency and critical thinking. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these principles, genealogists are encouraged to view the full recorded webinar, which includes live demonstrations of ChatGPT privacy settings and a detailed exploration of the AI Continuum. Exploring the additional resources and checklists included in the accompanying syllabus will empower researchers to use these modern tools with confidence and integrity. Dive into the full session to ensure your journey into the future of genealogy remains both responsible and rewarding.
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Syllabus
Their syllabus is very helpful. I do plan to listen to this again – as soon as possible! Most exciting to me, now – as I just received my 2nd list of “possible cousins” after my DNA from My Heritage. I still like Legacy Family Webinars and Geoff — the best! Thank you all… Clara in NE
This was an interesting, informative, and educational presentation by our very own sympatico tag-team Andrew Redfern and Fiona Brooker.
A lot of information to take in. Will certainly listen to the recordings again. Thank you, Andrew & Fiona!
Today’s webinar answered questions that I personally have about my privacy and my safety in using these new AI tools and other new tools . The walk through of the settings for AI is a goldmine of information that I will also use for DNA tools. The sample questions that the presenters developed for us to use to question how these programs work is a lesson in critical thinking about new technology. Thanks again.
I’m loving the workbook and how we can use this information as we go forward and explore AI. A comment today by a participant on always using the Genealogical Proof Standard was also helpful. My homework will include asking my AI helper, “Give me a summary of what the Genealogical Proof Standard is”. Then compare it to the book, which I have. If it misinterprets it, I will teach it by giving a clear example and have that go into my Memory section. Great stuff today, thank you.
Andrew and Fiona are a great team! I can’t wait to try writing a life story of my Great-grandmother using AI. Great lists of things to think about when you use Chatgpt and AI. Thanks!
Thank you for another great session. I found it very informative and reassuring, especially the focus on responsible use, ethical awareness, and how AI can support — not replace — sound genealogical research.
Oh my goodness that was great. Thanks Fiona and Andrew. AI is quite intimidating when you’re starting to use it that is why these webinars are so useful.