Bridging Boundaries? The Effect of Genetic Ancestry Testing on Ties across Racial Groups.

This article examines the social impact of taking genetic ancestry tests (GATs) on the racial diversity of social networks among native-born, non-Hispanic White Americans, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 802 participants. Contrary to expectations that GATs might increase bridging social capital by fostering interracial connections, the study finds that test-takers report a decrease in network racial diversity after testing, with no significant increase in ties to racial groups identified in their results. Qualitative interviews suggest this decline reflects a "reconsidering racial appraisals" phenomenon, where test-takers become more uncertain about classifying others' race rather than experiencing actual reductions in interracial contact. The findings highlight that GATs may influence perceptions of race and racial classification more than actual social interactions, with implications for understanding race, identity, and social network research.