Chapter 3: The Use of Digital Devices and Digital Platforms in Social Work: Challenges and Risks

Social work developed using information and communication technologies (ICTs) within a techno-social sphere has been defined as ‘e-social work’. It is a social work field that includes, among others, the use of digital devices and digital platforms in the professional relationship (with individuals, groups and communities), social service programs' monitoring and social work education. Through a literature review, the chapter will explore some parts of the international debate on e-social work. It seems to especially emphasise the positive aspects of digitisation in social work; at the same time, questions and ethical issues are proposed, especially about the social work clients' digital gaps and the need to protect vulnerable people. Digitalisation influences clients' behaviour and affects processes of social exclusion and inclusion. With reference to the elders, for example, the impact of digital divides is very significant; hence, social workers need to promote every tool at their disposal to reduce it to the bare minimum. At the same time, social workers face some risks of using digital devices and digital platforms in the professional one-to-one relationship, which especially during the Covid-19 pandemic have been increased in the welfare system.