1. Addictions and the Dopamine Economy
In our past assignments, “Our Parents Were Right: It was the Damn Phones” and the “YouTube Addiction Scale from India” article, we got a sense of how overconsumption of social media and online platforms intensify dopamine driven behaviors, often worsening addictions. As Social Workers, we can help clients by teaching them about healthy technology use and how to set boundaries, as well as, implement self-regulation strategies to alleviate the dependence.
2. Truth, Disinformation, Propaganda
In addressing the truth, I think back to the CHT company and the poem, “Our Parents Were Right: It was the Damn Phones”. Both of these assignments made us aware of the hidden agendas we can sometimes be oblivious to that are targeting our minds and shaping the way we think about things. As social workers, we can promote critical thinking among our communities and advocate for policy changes for clear and ethical communication from trusted institutions.
3. Machine Ethics and Algorithm Bias
“We Gave AI our Tasks: Now we are giving it our heart” and “Constructing the Future of Social Work Tech Habits of Mind With the Ethical OS” have both been beneficial in educating us on Machine Ethics and Algorithm Bias. There is no debate that the pandemic opened the gate to a world that we were not fully prepared for. Moreover, whether it’s through ease of access, or affordability, more people are turning towards a system that was created with bias’, in a world where they don’t have to be held accountable for yet. In other words, there are no rules, but people will keep breaking them. A Social worker in this scenario would advocate for the rules to be in place. Similarly, they themselves would be conscious of software they use in collecting data, and how it’s organized.
4. Surveillance State
“Integrating telehealth services in social work practice for vulnerable groups” and “Adapting Clinical Skills to Telehealth: Applications of Affirmative Cognitive‑Behavioral Therapy with LGBTQ+ Youth” first came to my mind when I read about this zone. This zone in particular speaks to the tech industry and how they have to consider the impacts of marginalized groups that are already facing inequalities in the real world, to then add another layer of facing injustice online requires careful planning. As Social workers, not only can we create safety plans for those affected, but advocate for policy change for the appropriate measures to be taken preventably.
You make an important point about how technology can compound the inequalities marginalized groups already face. I agree that the tech industry needs to think ahead about how its platforms impact marginalized groups, but social workers have a big role here too. We can also push for real policy changes, better protections, and more equitable tech design. Basically, we need to stay in these conversations so technology doesn’t end up making things worse for the people we’re trying to support.
Hi Donna! Your point about the dopamine economy made me think about how often we underestimate the emotional pull of technology, especially for young people who may not have offline support. Also I feel like the way you described the lack of accountability in AI hits home. It feels like technology is moving way faster than the rules, and people who are already vulnerable end up paying the price first!
Hi! Great post!
Your statement about the truth and disinformation propaganda is very much true. The topics that you have chosen to align with this zone are perfect as well. The topic “it was the damn phones” really did show how glued we were to our devices. Because of that, it thinks it has also exposed the ease of access that one has when it comes to disinformation and the truth. I think that with this topic, it showed that the concept of truth and misinformation or at least deciphering lie from truth, is almost up to the views and expression of the users.
Hi! Great post!
Your statement about the truth and disinformation propaganda is very much true. The topics that you have chosen to align with this zone are perfect as well. The topic “it was the damn phones” really did show how glued we were to our devices. Because of that, it thinks it has also exposed the ease of access that one has when it comes to disinformation and the truth. I think that with this topic, it showed that the concept of truth and misinformation or at least deciphering lies from truth, is for the users to decide.
Donna Lee,
Great job on talking about the articles/videos/materials from the class and their relationship to the zones you choose. I would have liked to hear just a bit more a bout the zones themselves, and how they are defined. Otherwise, good job.
Dr P