The perception of social workers on the implications of Artificial Intelligence in their professional practices: An exploratory study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/cuts.96777
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Social Work, knowledge, use and ethical implications

Abstract

 The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced considerably, finding applications in various sectors, including Social Work. The purpose of this research is to explore the perception of social workers regarding the use of AI in their professional practices, focusing on its knowledge, usage and ethical implications. To this end, an ad hoc questionnaire was administered to 120 social workers. The results reveal that general knowledge about AI among social workers is limited and its implementation is still incipient, despite the potential benefits identified. The willingness to use AI applications is much lower in direct intervention functions than in indirect ones. The greatest risk is perceived in the possibility that IA applications might affect decision-making capacity. The conclusions highlight the need to provide training on AI to ensure responsible and effective implementation, guaranteeing adherence to ethical principles.

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Paula García González, a:1:{s:5:"es_ES";s:25:"Universidad de La Laguna ";}

Trabajadora social (2024)

Ana Morales Hernández, Universidad de La Laguna

Ana Morales Hernández, trabajadora social (2009), con Máster en Cooperación Internacional al Desarrollo (2010). Licenciada en Sociología (2013) y Doctora por la Universidad de La Laguna (2017).

Celsa Cáceres Rodríguez, Universidad de La Laguna
Celsa Cáceres Rodríguez, profesora del Departamento de Ciencias de la Comunicación y Trabajo Social de la Universidad de La Laguna. Trabajadora Social (1990), Licenciada en Ciencias del Trabajo por la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (2005) y Doctora por la Universidad de La Laguna (2016).  Integrante del Centro de Estudios de Desigualdad Social y Gobernanza (CEDESOG) y del Instituto Universitario de Estudios de las Mujeres de la Universidad de La Laguna. Representante de la Universidad de La Laguna en el Observatorio Canario de Servicios Sociales.  
View citations

Article download

Crossmark

Metrics

Published
2025-02-10
How to Cite
García González P., Morales Hernández A. y Cáceres Rodríguez C. (2025). The perception of social workers on the implications of Artificial Intelligence in their professional practices: An exploratory study. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social, 38(1), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.5209/cuts.96777
Issue
Vol. 38 No. 1 (2025)
Section
Articles

License

In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Cuadernos de Trabajo Social is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.