The most recent fascinating insight from IRISS, written by Rebecca Jackson, takes a close look at what we call ‘social media’, as well as the risks of using it, and the likely use in future for social workers.
The opportunities presented to social service workers by the arrival of social media are in many ways unprecedented. Although the so called ‘digital revolution’ is not unique to social services, in few other disciplines are the challenges presented by the use of social media so blurred and fraught with potential risks to the professional.
Understanding the social media landscape and the potential benefits for social care practice is vital for the workforce, yet research and guidance has been slow to keep up with the demand for support coming from those working within the sector. While anecdotal stories have highlighted extensive individual use of social media to improve and enhance practice, there is limited research available looking at the wider implications for the workforce. What research is available is relatively limited, with a focus on small-scale studies including specific caveats on social media usage, rather than large-scale generalisable and scalable research projects. This Insight seeks to address part of that gap. It will explore what is understood by ‘social media’; perceived risks of using it; opportunities provided; relationship to workforce wellbeing; and future implications for practice.
You can read the whole article here.
