Information Technology and Social Work—The Dark Side or Light Side?

Abstract

The transition from industrial society to information society has had a significant impact upon social work. Benefits emerging have included simplified recording and assessment, electronic advocacy, interactive distance education opportunities and online group work and supervision. However, information technology can also be socially isolating and has led to new social issues including the creation of a false sense of safety, particularly among children and adolescents. Other concerns include the increased pace of work, the role of e-counselling and the emergence of a technologically inspired generation gap between new and established workers. Three focus groups, comprised of new BSW candidates, experienced part-time MSW candidates and field practice educators, were held to explore these issues. Themes generated included concerns regarding confidentiality, workload, and the compromising of basic social work practice and the therapeutic relationship. However, technology was also seen as having the potential to support geographically isolated clients and those with disabilities as well as providing another mechanism to connect with adolescents. Technology is ideology and while its advance is inevitable, social workers need to maintain a healthy scepticism while avoiding both unhealthy enthusiasm and unnecessary resistance, as technology will continue to create both challenges and opportunities for the profession.