Arguments About Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: A Critical Perspective

Amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide, several arguments espousing its possible benefits and risks for social work are emerging. Some of these arguments are enthusiastic about AI for social work, albeit wrapped in ethical and practical warnings about the risks and dangers of AI, and how social workers should handle it with care. This article is a critical essay that identifies and examines four such arguments: (1) AI can boost efficiency and productivity, and free up time for more human connections; (2) AI can enhance clinical practice and support service user outcomes; (3) AI will complement, but not replace, social workers’ human skills such as critical thinking, empathy and accountability; and, (4) although AI is structurally biased and prone to wrong or misleading outputs, this can and should be identified and corrected by social workers. As will be shown, presumed benefits of AI require careful examination and the risks need to be thoroughly understood. Going forward, social work will require an informed conversation about AI to develop a thorough understanding of what is at stake and what should be done.IMPLICATIONS Arguments about the possible benefits and risks of artificial intelligence for social work require critical examination.Using artificial intelligence in social work demands a careful understanding of its limitations, particularly where it involves complex decision-making, ethical judgement, accountability and transparency.The benefits of AI for social work are likely to be in performing simple tasks that are low-stakes, routine and standardised.