PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK IN SOCIAL MEDIA: ETHICAL ISSUES

Abstract

Electronic social work (e-social work) is a new platform for social work. Social media allows social workers to go beyond the traditional format of providing services, which allows them to reach a wider range of the population and increase their accessibility. However, the provision of social services through social media has many features, which creates ethical problems.

The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze ethical problems in social work through social networks. This study uses two specific cases of social practitioners, workers who provide services through social media and interviews with people who have had experience receiving social services through social media. The article examines the ethical problems faced by practicing social workers when providing assistance through social networks. In the course of this study, a number of ethical problems related to the specifics of providing services through social media were identified. Recommendations were offered to solve the identified problems and to minimize risks for the client and for the social worker. The article emphasizes the need to acquire skills and competencies to comply with ethical standards when providing services through social media.

To achieve the research goal, such qualitative research methods as case-study and in-depth interview were used. The results of this study can be used for further development of theoretical and empirical research in social work, as well as by social services, practicing social workers to improve their activities.

Keywords: social media, case-study, ethical issues, difficult life situation, informatization, electronic social work