One idea from Reamer’s article that made me uncomfortable was the use of artificial intelligence in social work. I think AI can be helpful because it can save social workers time by organizing information or helping with documentation, but I do not think it should replace the relationship between a social worker and a client. As a future social worker, that makes me uncomfortable because people deserve to feel heard by a real person, especially when they are going through difficult situations.
During my internship at Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, I help with workshops for foster and adoptive families. Even though I have not seen AI used directly with clients, I have learned how important it is to build trust and create a safe space where families and children feel comfortable talking. Many of the youth have experienced trauma, loss, or changes in their lives, so they need someone who listens and understands them. I do not think AI can provide that kind of support. I agree with Reamer that social workers must be careful about protecting client privacy and using technology in ethical ways. I also think AI can be useful if it is only used as a tool to help with paperwork or finding resources. The social worker should always make the final decisions and be responsible for the client’s care.
If I had to explain my position to a client, I would tell them that technology may be used to help me stay organized, but it would never replace our conversations or my professional judgment. I would also let them know that their personal information would be kept private and treated with respect. Building trust is one of the most important parts of social work, and I would want my clients to know they come first.
After reading Haidt’s article and watching his TED Talk, I think his message is especially important for the population I work with during my internship. Foster and adopted children often use social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. While these apps can help them stay connected with friends, they can also increase feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Some children may compare their lives to what they see online or spend so much time on their phones that they miss opportunities to build healthy relationships in person.
During the workshops at Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, I have seen how important it is for children and families to communicate with each other and build strong relationships. Haidt’s research helped me understand why too much screen time can make those relationships more difficult. As a future social worker, I would encourage families to set healthy limits on technology while also creating more opportunities for face-to-face conversations and activities together.
At the same time, I think Haidt’s argument becomes more complicated with foster and adoptive youth. Some children use technology to stay connected with supportive friends, mentors, or family members they cannot see often. In those situations, technology can be a positive source of support. Because of that, I do not think social workers should tell clients to avoid social media completely. Instead, I believe we should teach children and families how to use technology in healthy ways while recognizing when it starts to affect their mental health or relationships. Finding that balance is something I think will be important in my future social work practice.
One idea from Reamer’s article that made me uncomfortable was the use of artificial intelligence in social work. I think AI can be helpful because it can save social workers time by organizing information or helping with documentation, but I do not think it should replace the relationship between a social worker and a client. As a future social worker, that makes me uncomfortable because people deserve to feel heard by a real person, especially when they are going through difficult situations.
During my internship at Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, I help with workshops for foster and adoptive families. Even though I have not seen AI used directly with clients, I have learned how important it is to build trust and create a safe space where families and children feel comfortable talking. Many of the youth have experienced trauma, loss, or changes in their lives, so they need someone who listens and understands them. I do not think AI can provide that kind of support. I agree with Reamer that social workers must be careful about protecting client privacy and using technology in ethical ways. I also think AI can be useful if it is only used as a tool to help with paperwork or finding resources. The social worker should always make the final decisions and be responsible for the client’s care.
If I had to explain my position to a client, I would tell them that technology may be used to help me stay organized, but it would never replace our conversations or my professional judgment. I would also let them know that their personal information would be kept private and treated with respect. Building trust is one of the most important parts of social work, and I would want my clients to know they come first.
After reading Haidt’s article and watching his TED Talk, I think his message is especially important for the population I work with during my internship. Foster and adopted children often use social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. While these apps can help them stay connected with friends, they can also increase feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Some children may compare their lives to what they see online or spend so much time on their phones that they miss opportunities to build healthy relationships in person.
During the workshops at Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, I have seen how important it is for children and families to communicate with each other and build strong relationships. Haidt’s research helped me understand why too much screen time can make those relationships more difficult. As a future social worker, I would encourage families to set healthy limits on technology while also creating more opportunities for face-to-face conversations and activities together.
At the same time, I think Haidt’s argument becomes more complicated with foster and adoptive youth. Some children use technology to stay connected with supportive friends, mentors, or family members they cannot see often. In those situations, technology can be a positive source of support. Because of that, I do not think social workers should tell clients to avoid social media completely. Instead, I believe we should teach children and families how to use technology in healthy ways while recognizing when it starts to affect their mental health or relationships. Finding that balance is something I think will be important in my future social work practice.
Hi Makia! I share your concern with AI in social work. I think it can be very alarming integrating a platform that is changing so rapidly into a profession build on empathy and personability. Like you said, for more mundane tasks, AI could help, but I am interested to see what ways we will encounter AI in our future practices.