Media Competence as key Qualification in 21st century Social Work

As digital technologies increasingly permeate all aspects of modern society, media competence has become a critical qualification in social work practice. This paper examines the perceptions of 153 social workers regarding the importance and implementation of media competence in their professional roles. Through a quantitative online survey utilizing a Likert scale, this study explores key aspects such as the necessity of regular digital skills training, the role of social media in client accessibility, the challenges of data protection, and the effectiveness of online counseling. The results indicate widespread recognition of media competence as essential, but also highlight significant concerns regarding ethical challenges, particularly around data protection and the efficacy of online services. The findings underscore the need for enhanced media literacy education in social work curricula and ongoing professional development to ensure that social workers are equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly digitalized practice environment.