What must social workers balance while using technology in practice?

When social workers utilize technology in their practice, one of the most critical aspects they need to balance is risk awareness and tech adaptability. This is because the integration of technology into social work can bring about various risks, such as privacy concerns, ethical issues, and potential for miscommunication. Social workers must remain vigilant about these risks to protect their clients' confidentiality and ensure that their professional standards are upheld.

At the same time, social workers need to be adaptable to rapidly changing technologies. This involves not only staying current with the latest tools and platforms but also being flexible in how they incorporate these technologies into their practice. The ability to adapt ensures that social workers can leverage technology effectively, enhancing their service delivery while mitigating associated risks. Thus, striking a balance between awareness of risks and the ability to adapt to new technologies is essential for effective practice in a modern, digitally enhanced environment.