This year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to immerse myself in the largest genealogical conference in the world, RootsTech 2024. Organized by the Church of Latter Day Saints, RootsTech has always been a beacon for those passionate about tracing our ancestors and understanding our past. However, this year's conference was particularly riveting as it spotlighted a burgeoning technology reshaping our approach to genealogy: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The introduction of AI into the public domain, notably through OpenAI's release of ChatGPT tools in November 2022, has sparked a technological revolution, touching upon various facets of our lives. At RootsTech 2024, the buzz was palpable. Everyone, from seasoned genealogists to curious newcomers, was eager to explore how AI could transform the painstaking process of genealogical research into something more efficient and, perhaps, even more profound.
Throughout the conference, I attended several sessions dedicated to AI and its application in genealogy. These talks ranged from speculation on AI's future role in genealogical research to technical discussions on current AI tools. While the promise of AI was a consistent theme, I yearned for something more tangible. Many sessions hovered at a high level, offering broad overviews rather than the practical, hands-on advice I craved. This left me somewhat disappointed, as my main objective was to gain actionable insights that I could apply to my own genealogical endeavors.
Despite this, my experience at RootsTech 2024 was far from fruitless. It became clear that we are at the cusp of a new era in genealogy. As AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our research methodologies, the need for more comprehensive education and training on its application in genealogy is undeniable. I am hopeful that, with time, the genealogical community will develop and share deeper, more practical knowledge on leveraging AI to enhance our research.
The potential for AI to revolutionize genealogy is immense, from automating the sifting through historical documents to predicting potential family connections. As more genealogists embrace this technology, I anticipate a future where AI not only makes our research more efficient but also uncovers aspects of our ancestry that were previously thought to be beyond our reach.
Looking forward, I am optimistic about the role AI will play in genealogy. RootsTech 2024 was just the beginning, a glimpse into a future where technology and history intertwine more closely than ever before. As we navigate this new landscape, it's crucial that we, as a community, strive for education and openness, ensuring that every genealogist is equipped to harness the full power of AI in their quest to uncover the stories of the past.