Social Work Practice and Technology: Navigating Ethical Challenges

Technology is not merely a problem to be solved; it demands the development of skills essential for effective management. It serves as the most invisible yet powerful tool. Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals function at their best within their environment, utilizing specialized skills to assist individuals, families, and communities from diverse cultures. Furthermore, social work fosters social change, enacts social justice, and empowers people to enhance their capacity for social functioning. Social workers are committed to effecting positive societal changes and are guided by a code of ethics. The NASW Code of Ethics steers us through three principles: service, social justice, and the significance of human relationships. While social work practice encounters ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI), issues such as privacy and confidentiality, informed consent and transparency, accountability and oversight, cultural sensitivity and context, bias and discrimination, the digital divide, and equity in access, alongside the dehumanization of care, arise. This roundtable session will initiate a dialogue about the intersection of AI and social work practice. Social workers who employ technology to design and deliver services and education will be aware of and concerned about the ethical use of technology specific to their context. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social work practice presents a landscape filled with both advantages and complexities. On one hand, AI serves as a powerful tool that enhances the capabilities of social workers by enabling them to swiftly analyze vast amounts of data. This ability allows for the development of insightful and impactful services and interventions that can significantly improve client outcomes. Conversely, the introduction of AI into the field has evoked a range of emotions among social workers. While some practitioners enthusiastically embrace this technological advancement as a means to better serve their clients, others express deep apprehension about the implications of AI for their work. Additionally, there are those who remain indifferent, neither fully endorsing nor resisting the change. This spectrum of reactions underscores the ongoing debate within the profession regarding AI's role in shaping the future of social work. The roundtable will explore AI and social work ethical standards, with the presenter showcasing these standards based on the following professional organizations: the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Presenters will particularly focus on analyzing the ethical challenges and implications of AI integration in social work practice, aligning with CSWE Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (CSWE, 2022). Additionally, presenters will assess the impact of AI tools on client confidentiality, informed consent, and bias in decision-making, aligning with CSWE Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice (CSWE, 2022). The goal of the roundtable is to stimulate conversation about ethical considerations and best practices for utilizing technology in social work practice and education.