[smarkov]

Exactly my thoughts.

I'd be more upset if a combination of my name and email/phone number got leaked than if my DNA was made available public.

[tuwtuwtuwtuw]

Why would you be upset if your name+phone combo was leaked? Mine is all over internet so wonder why you feel it would be bad.

[smarkov]

I simply don't want to deal with spam or scams. If I'm exposing my contact details it would be a separate set that is dedicated to dealing with communication coming from the public.

[themaninthedark]

Why? You can change your phone number and your name. Good luck with doing so with your DNA.

[smarkov]

And that is exactly why they can be changed - because they're valuable details that can be used to track someone down. Your DNA is easily obtainable and is not used in any meaningful way that would affect your life if it was exposed.

[hot_gril]

Phone numbers are an increasingly important identifier. Sucks to lose one.

[tuwtuwtuwtuw]

What do you mean by "identifier"?

For me, phone numbers have had reduced importance over the last couple of years. Most of my communication with other people are over various messaging apps.

[hot_gril]

Identifier as in, used for authentication and possibly even tied to your real name. Even messaging apps don't tend to have screen-names like AIM, they have phone numbers, including the so-called "privacy-focused" Signal. Tons of in-person services (govt, banks, etc) will also want one, and it may be used as yet another piece proving your real identity.