What form do analyses of the potential of new technologies in social work take today? A scoping review

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies such as apps and information and communication technology (ICT) in social work is accelerating, yet systematic analyses of their potential for practice interventions are lacking. To address this gap, this scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) analyzed 60 articles (1997–2025) from 29 countries to investigate research methods and reported benefits and risks. Results indicated an absence of studies systematically evaluating technology’s potential prior to implementation in social work practice. Thematic synthesis identified five benefit domains – improved efficiency and decision quality, empowerment, workforce development, and reflective practice – and six risk domains – data protection and confidentiality, algorithmic bias and legal uncertainty, inclusion and usability barriers, and workforce and organizational strain – as well as a cross-cutting theme of ambivalence, where significant downsides – efficiency gains vs. technical limitations, expanded access vs. digital divide, improved decision quality vs. data protection – frequently countered potential gains. These findings suggest that digital technologies are not intrinsically beneficial, making assumption-driven adoption in the absence of concrete evidence of effectiveness ill-advised. The study provides a foundation for the development of a validated framework for use in methodologically rigorous systematic analyses of the potential of new digital technologies for social work interventions.