ESSW Week 7 Discussion Post
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School
Walden University *
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Course
6101
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by AmbassadorStingray4082
Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.
Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen.
Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.
Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.
Describe potential courses of action.
Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.
As technology advances, so do the ways that social workers can connect with clients. Is it acceptable to look at a client’s activities on social media or seek information through an internet search? Should a social worker allow clients to contact them by text or e-mail? How does
a social worker’s personal social media presence influence the worker/client relationship?
The dilemma that I have decided to choose is option number one. This dilemma is about social workers connecting to clients via social media, clients being able to communicate with the social worker through email or text, and the social worker's personal social media presence. It is not ethical to look at the client's social media and seek information through an internet search. This invades the privacy of the client and can give you a different perception of who the client is. People show many different sides of themselves on social media, which could create an artificial understanding of the client prior to you getting to know them. The ethical standard that applies to this is standard number 1.07, privacy, and confidentiality. This standard applies to this situation because this could affect your trust in that client. This also falls into the value of dignity and worth of the person. If you are looking them up on social media and judging them, you are degrading the worth of the client. The next part of the dilemma is contacting each other via text or email. This is a grey area in the provider-client relationship. With our world changing and technology growing, many people nowadays are uncomfortable speaking on the phone. Having accessible ways to communicate with your social worker is particularly important to meet
the client’s needs. In my opinion, it is more professional to speak with your client via email. If a client has your cell phone number, it also is important to set boundaries with your client and have enough time to practice self-care. The final part of the dilemma is how the social worker presents themselves on
social media. Clients have access to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other social media. They can find you and will find you if they want to. A social worker should be mindful of what they are posting online because what you present online is the image that your client will perceive you. The ethical standard that this part of the dilemma applies to is standard 4.06, misrepresentation. Misrepresentation is a strong distinction between personal statements and professional standards and values (Karen Kay Kirst-
Ashman & Grafton H Hull, Jr, 2018). The standard applies to this dilemma because your social media presence can potentially be a place where you misrepresent yourself. If you post images on social media
of you drinking and the client is an alcoholic it can cause them to feel uncomfortable with you. In this ethical dilemma it mostly affects the social worker. If a client were to add you on social media, I would suggest ignoring the request. When you are a professional it is imperative that your social media is set to private. That said, it is inappropriate to search for clients on social media. If you expect clients not to look at your social media, you should not
look at theirs. As I said before, email is the most professional way to speak with a client. Texting is not a good option because they can text you while you are not working and negates your ability to practice self-care.
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