The Social Media Paradox

Abstract

Abstract The core strength of social work practice is building social relationships among individuals, groups, communities, and families during the helping process. Traditionally, this has assumed a face-to-face interface. However, technological advancement in the 21st century has significantly influenced human-related services and interactions within the client systems. Thus, the proliferation of social media and digital platforms impacts various dimensions of social work practice. The use of social media for both professional and personal purposes in the context of social work practice attracts ethical and legal implications for societal and individual well-being. Therefore, social workers ought to recognize the threats, dangers, and benefits of digital technology and social media to their clients. For instance, social media facilitates reporting realities in communities and organizing lobbying and advocacy campaigns with minimal cost. However, some social media platforms are potential avenues for undermining the privacy, confidentiality, and human dignity of individuals, especially vulnerable ones. Against the benefits associated with technology in transformation communities, this phenomenon presents a developmental paradox on whether social media is a tool for promoting positive social change and expeditious service delivery or a platform for perpetuating social injustices. In this chapter, issues of social media ethics and how they may inform and impact the future of social work globally are critically discussed. The discussion is useful in informing social work policies and standards on the use of technology and social media tools to deliver services that promote human dignity and the well-being of individuals and communities.