The Importance of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Developing the Skills of Social Workers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how people work, yet in Saudi Arabia its role in socialwork remains understudied. This study relied on a cross-sectional design to evaluate how students andfaculty members in Saudi Arabian social work departments perceive AI's potential in improving skilldevelopment, the extent to which social work departments support AI education, and the risks linked toits adoption. A structured questionnaire was administered to 390 participants from Saudi Arabian highereducation institutions. The study results revealed participants’ recognition of AI's utility in improvingsocial work education and practice, while highlighting low personal competency and inadequatedepartmental action. Moreover, participants expressed strong concerns about job displacement andethical risks associated with AI applications in social work.