Matt Artz is a business anthropologist exploring the effects of technology on society. As the Head of Product and Experience at Cloudshadow and the Founder and Principal Researcher of Azimuth Labs, Matt works at the intersection of research, design, and strategy. In these roles, he advocates for the responsible development of technology. His anthropology research focuses on the benefits and risks of consumer DNA testing. Outside of work, you can find Matt writing, speaking, composing music and photographing the everyday life of people around the world.

Mr. Artz is an applied anthropologist working as a User Experience (UX) researcher at the intersection of technology and society. On a daily basis, he oversees the product development process of software, but in doing that work, he infuses social theory to ensure building products that are not only usable, but desirable and just. Most of his private consulting is focused in the health tech space, with a research emphasis on consumer genetics. There, he looks at how consumer genetics shapes our individual and collective identities through the UX of DNA testing.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Matt Artz: Are DNA tests safe? | Matt Artz | TEDxScranton

Are DNA tests safe? | Matt Artz | TEDxScranton

A stark warning from history, Theranos' downfall showcases the perils of unchecked ambition in direct-to-consumer genetics.

30 million US consumers have taken DNA tests, yet the science community's concerns highlight the need for caution and clarity.

Genetic data's significance is undermined, yet its misuse poses real risks to privacy and identity in an age of diminishing secrecy.