Social work in the digital age: Towards adopting artificial intelligence in social work

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies which is taking over in various facets of life. However, although it has permeated various fields and professions, there has been a paucity of research aimed at investigating the potential use of AI in social work. This qualitative study sought to explore the potential role of AI in social work, using explorative and descriptive designs. Data from social workers and social work academics were collected through semi-structured in-person and virtual interviews. This study has found that AI can play an enduring role in social work.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Social Work
Published
2025-11-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728251383134
Primary Topic
Social Work Education and Practice
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Social work in the digital age: Towards adopting artificial intelligence in social work

Thommy Sebatana Molala
International Social Work
Social Work Education and Practice
article

Social work in the digital age: Towards adopting artificial intelligence in social work

Thommy Sebatana Molala
article en

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies which is taking over in various facets of life. However, although it has permeated various fields and professions, there has been a paucity of research aimed at investigating the potential use of AI in social work. This qualitative study sought to explore the potential role of AI in social work, using explorative and descriptive designs. Data from social workers and social work academics were collected through semi-structured in-person and virtual interviews. This study has found that AI can play an enduring role in social work.

International Social Work
University of Johannesburg (ZA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 61%
Social Work Education and Practice
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