"Ignoring It Is a Problem": Social Work Student Perspectives on the Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence for Practice and Education.
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| Title: | "Ignoring It Is a Problem": Social Work Student Perspectives on the Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence for Practice and Education. |
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| Authors: | Kapur, Ishita (AUTHOR), Cronley, Courtney (AUTHOR), Sharkey, Caroline N. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Social Work Education. Winter2026, Vol. 62 Issue 1, p110-123. 14p. |
| Subjects: | Cross-sectional method, Policy sciences, Social workers, Professional practice, Qualitative research, Optimism, Labor productivity, Artificial intelligence, Social services, Interviewing, Privacy, Medical case management, Social work education, Descriptive statistics, Students, Thematic analysis, Sound recordings, Social work research, Telemedicine, Simulation methods in education, Research methodology, Student attitudes, Counseling, Medical ethics |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work is enhancing teaching through innovative technologies and is already changing how we prepare students for the workforce. While AI offers significant potential to revolutionize social work practice and education, its integration requires careful attention to ethical considerations to ensure its responsible and equitable use. This study explores the role of AI in social work through structured interviews with 15 social work students, uncovering five key themes: the effect of AI on social work practice, policy, and research; its applications and utility in various settings; its role in enhancing efficiency; its integration into social work education; and its limitations within the field. The findings highlight students' optimism and curiosity about AI's potential to improve social work, while also holding some level of skepticism about the implications of AI algorithms for marginalized client groups. This study underscores the need for thoughtful adoption of AI technologies to support the welfare of vulnerable populations and advance social work education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Social Work Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work is enhancing teaching through innovative technologies and is already changing how we prepare students for the workforce. While AI offers significant potential to revolutionize social work practice and education, its integration requires careful attention to ethical considerations to ensure its responsible and equitable use. This study explores the role of AI in social work through structured interviews with 15 social work students, uncovering five key themes: the effect of AI on social work practice, policy, and research; its applications and utility in various settings; its role in enhancing efficiency; its integration into social work education; and its limitations within the field. The findings highlight students' optimism and curiosity about AI's potential to improve social work, while also holding some level of skepticism about the implications of AI algorithms for marginalized client groups. This study underscores the need for thoughtful adoption of AI technologies to support the welfare of vulnerable populations and advance social work education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10437797 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10437797.2025.2602743 |
