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Social Work in The Era of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Work
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed various professional lines such as the social work profession. This work gives a picture of the interaction between AI technologies and social work practices, discusses the opportunities and threats that they present. The study summarizes the multidisciplinary literature to assess the use of predictive analytics, machine learning, and the use of virtual agents in such fields as case management, mental help services, and formulation of social policy. AI enhances efficiency, supports precision-based interventions and augmented data-based decision making. Nonetheless, it casts doubts on privacy, bias in the algorithms, professional independence, and the digital gap. The research highlights the importance of social workers to gain digital literacy and take an active role in the process of AI governance in harmony with the values, e.g., human dignity, equity, and social justice. This paper ended with a suggestion to develop an approach to ethical AI use in social services, as well as in making a positive contribution to the discussion of AI and social work.
Keywords
social work, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, ethics, professional practice.
How to cite this paper
@article{1723099,
author = {Dr. Peter Emejuru, Dr. Aaron Anyanabia},
title = {Social Work in The Era of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {1601-1613},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723099.pdf},
abstract = {Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed various professional lines such as the social work profession. This work gives a picture of the interaction between AI technologies and social work practices, discusses the opportunities and threats that they present. The study summarizes the multidisciplinary literature to assess the use of predictive analytics, machine learning, and the use of virtual agents in such fields as case management, mental help services, and formulation of social policy. AI enhances efficiency, supports precision-based interventions and augmented data-based decision making. Nonetheless, it casts doubts on privacy, bias in the algorithms, professional independence, and the digital gap. The research highlights the importance of social workers to gain digital literacy and take an active role in the process of AI governance in harmony with the values, e.g., human dignity, equity, and social justice. This paper ended with a suggestion to develop an approach to ethical AI use in social services, as well as in making a positive contribution to the discussion of AI and social work.},
keywords = {social work, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, ethics, professional practice.},
month = {August},
}