AI in Social Work: Promise Meets Ethical Complexity
As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into public services, the social work sector is navigating both the opportunities and risks it presents. A growing number of practitioners are using generative AI tools like Microsoft CoPilot and Beam’s Magic Notes to streamline tasks such as case note transcription and action planning.
Yet alongside the enthusiasm lies growing concern about data privacy and ethical use. Experts warn that generic AI tools not specifically designed for social work may mishandle sensitive data, especially in the absence of proper consent or oversight.
Ethical dilemmas extend beyond data handling. Dr. Tarsem Singh Cooner of the University of Birmingham highlights risks like algorithmic bias and AI “hallucinations”—inaccurate outputs presented as fact. AI systems trained on Western-centric datasets may yield biased decisions when applied to culturally diverse cases. Cooner emphasizes the need for critical engagement with AI tools, suggesting they can support, but not replace, professional judgment and contextual understanding.
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