Social work is adapting to modern technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence

by | Mar 16, 2025 | Analysis

 

Consider the ways in which the field of social work is adapting to modern technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. As an upcoming social worker, what would you incorporate as emerging technologies into their curricula to adapt to the modern reality we live in, with the ultimate goal of expanding services to people in need?
Discuss your experiences during this course. What did you find most useful? How will you use this in your professional life?
Share something from the readings that resonated with you. Discuss your experiences with this concept or how you can use this information in the future.

 

Sample solution

Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.


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God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

Let’s explore how social work is adapting to modern technologies, discuss curriculum incorporation, reflect on a course experience, and share a resonant reading concept.

Adapting Social Work to Modern Technologies:

The field of social work is increasingly recognizing the potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance services and reach underserved populations. Here’s how:

  • Virtual Reality (VR):
    • Therapeutic Interventions: VR can create immersive environments for exposure therapy (e.g., for PTSD or phobias), social skills training (e.g., for autism), and empathy building.
    • Remote Client Interaction: VR can facilitate virtual home visits or support groups, particularly beneficial for clients in remote areas or with mobility limitations

Let’s explore how social work is adapting to modern technologies, discuss curriculum incorporation, reflect on a course experience, and share a resonant reading concept.

Adapting Social Work to Modern Technologies:

The field of social work is increasingly recognizing the potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance services and reach underserved populations. Here’s how:

  • Virtual Reality (VR):
    • Therapeutic Interventions: VR can create immersive environments for exposure therapy (e.g., for PTSD or phobias), social skills training (e.g., for autism), and empathy building.
    • Remote Client Interaction: VR can facilitate virtual home visits or support groups, particularly beneficial for clients in remote areas or with mobility limitations
    • Remote Client Interaction: VR can facilitate virtual home visits or support groups, particularly beneficial for clients in remote areas or with mobility limitations.
    • Training and Simulation: VR can simulate real-life scenarios for social work students and professionals, enhancing their skills in crisis intervention or conflict resolution.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI):
    • Data Analysis and Predictive Modeling: AI can analyze large datasets to identify at-risk populations, predict service needs, and evaluate program effectiveness.
    • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 support, answer frequently asked questions, and offer resources to clients.
    • Automated Case Management: AI can streamline administrative tasks, freeing up social workers to focus on direct client interaction.
    • Resource allocation: AI could be used to optimize resource allocation, in areas that need it most.

Curriculum Incorporation:

As an upcoming social worker, I would advocate for incorporating the following emerging technologies into social work curricula:

  • VR Training Modules:
    • Develop simulations for various client scenarios, including crisis intervention, cultural competency training, and ethical dilemmas.
    • Provide hands-on experience with VR-based therapeutic interventions.
  • AI and Data Analytics Courses:
    • Teach students how to use AI-powered tools for data analysis, predictive modeling, and resource allocation.
    • Introduce ethical considerations related to AI in social work practice.
  • Telehealth and Digital Literacy Training:
    • Provide training on using telehealth platforms and digital communication tools.
    • Address issues of digital equity and access for vulnerable populations.
  • Ethical Considerations of Technology in Social Work:
    • Devote curriculum time to the ethical implications of using technology in social work practice, including privacy, confidentiality, and bias.
    • Discuss the importance of maintaining human connection in a technologically driven world.
  • Creating digital resources:
    • Teach students how to create online resources for clients, such as video tutorials, or online support groups.

Course Experiences and Application:

During this course, I found the discussions on ethical decision-making and cultural competency to be most useful. These concepts are fundamental to social work practice and will guide my interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds.

  • I will apply these principles by:
    • Engaging in ongoing self-reflection to identify and address my own biases.
    • Seeking out opportunities to learn from and collaborate with individuals from diverse communities.
    • Advocating for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity.
    • Always prioritizing the clients best interest.

Resonant Reading Concept:

The concept of “strengths-based practice” deeply resonated with me. This approach emphasizes identifying and building upon clients’ strengths and resources, rather than focusing solely on their deficits.

  • My experiences: I have seen firsthand how focusing on strengths can empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. When people feel valued and capable, they are more likely to engage in positive change.
  • Future application:
    • I will use a strengths-based approach in my practice by:
      • Conducting thorough assessments to identify clients’ strengths and resources.
      • Collaborating with clients to develop goals and action plans that build upon their strengths.
      • Celebrating clients’ successes and reinforcing their resilience.
      • Helping clients to see their own potential.

By embracing modern technologies and adhering to core social work values, we can expand access to services and empower individuals and communities to thrive.

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