A conceptual framework for the ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence in addressing mental health challenges: Guidelines for Social Workers

Thomas Molala () and Jabulani Makhubele ()
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Thomas Molala: University of Limpopo
Jabulani Makhubele: University of Limpopo

Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2021, vol. 24, issue 1, 696-706

Abstract: The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has great potential to address mental health challenges-However there are great ethical challenges associated with AI.  Purpose of the study: This study aims to develop conceptual ethical guidelines for Social Workers using AI in tackling mental health challenges.  Methodology: The methodology employed in this paper is literature review-specifically an Integrative literature review of all sources related to the topic under investigation Main findings: The paper has found that the use of AI possesses the following ethical concerns: risk to privacy, loss of autonomy and biasness. The paper has further found that ethical guidelines for Social Workers using AI in addressing mental health challenges- should include protection laws, the use of approved AI technologies for which there are accountability standards, and training on the use of technology. Applications of this study: To this end,  these guidelines will enable Social Workers to provide ethically sound AI-driven Social Work Services in dealing mental health challenges.  Novelty/Originality of this study: Ethical concerns pertaining to the use of AI affect all helping professionals, therefore the ethical guidelines provided in this paper are expected to assist allied professionals navigate ethical paradoxes. Â

Keywords: ethics; artificial intelligence; mental health; Social work; technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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