Discussion on Reamer’s Social Work Boundaries in the Digital Environment

1. Case Example
One case that stood out to me is client abandonment in the digital age. I chose this example because it highlights one of the most serious ethical risks when a client communicates distress through AI or digital platforms but does not receive a timely response. Reamer (2023a) explains that if a client communicates suicidal ideation through AI but the social worker fails to respond, the client may attempt suicide, and grounds for malpractice could arise. My assessment is that while AI makes client communication more accessible, it also creates unrealistic expectations that social workers are “always available.” The remedy should be to establish clear guidelines for response times, ensure backup systems for emergencies, and maintain traditional crisis protocols alongside digital tools. This helps balance accessibility with professional boundaries while protecting clients from harm (NASW, 2021).

2. Boundary Dynamics

The boundary dynamic I chose to focus on is privacy and confidentiality. I think this is important because digital platforms and AI tools have made it much easier for sensitive client information to be exposed or misused. Reamer (2023b) highlights this risk by pointing out that electronic records related to abortion services could potentially be subpoenaed, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. In my own experience, I’ve noticed similar risks when organizations adopt new technologies, like telehealth platforms or mobile apps, without carefully reviewing how securely client data will be stored. To explore this further, I looked at McCoyd et al. (2022), who explain that breaches of confidentiality in digital spaces don’t just threaten privacy but also weaken the foundation of trust between clients and practitioners. What stood out to me is that protecting confidentiality goes beyond relying on technical fixes such as encryption. Agencies also need clear policies, staff education, and active monitoring to stay ahead of evolving risks. This reminds me that social workers must take an intentional, preventative approach to protecting client information in today’s AI-driven environment.

3. Social Media Policies
Reamer (2018, 2023b) suggests developing a social media policy and sharing it with clients, and I think this is a highly effective strategy. A clear policy sets expectations before issues arise, which can prevent blurred boundaries and client misunderstandings. Key elements might include not accepting client friend requests, defining secure channels for communication, setting response timeframes, clarifying how emergencies should be handled, and outlining procedures for potential breaches of confidentiality. A strong policy should also explain how AI tools are used in practice, what data is collected, and what risks clients should be aware of. While no policy can prevent every issue, I believe this strategy is effective because it provides transparency, protects both parties, and aligns practice with the NASW Code of Ethics (2021). It also empowers clients to make informed choices about their engagement with social workers in digital spaces.

My image below shows a social worker and client in a private office; it signals that the conversation is protected and not open to the public.

References

McCoyd, J. L., Currie-Mueller, J., & Shdaimah, C. (2022). Ethical dilemmas in digital social work practice. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 19(2), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.55521/10-019-200

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. NASW Press.

Reamer, F. G. (2018). Evolving ethical standards in the digital age. Social Work, 63(3), 191–200. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swy006

Reamer, F. G. (2023a). Artificial intelligence in social work: Emerging ethical issues. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 20(2), 55–70. https://doi.org/10.55521/10-020-200

Reamer, F. G. (2023b). Digital ethics in social work. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press.