Mötet mellan empati och digitalisering i socialt arbete : Möjligheter och utmaningar

Sammanfattning: The convergence of empathy and digitalization has become a focal point of exploration in society. As traditional modes of interaction evolve in the face of technological advancements, the interplay between human empathy and the digital world unfolds in intricate ways.  Empathy, which is considered a cornerstone of human connection and relationships in the aspect of social work, is now navigating the digital landscape. The fusion of empathy and digitalization as two forces introduces both opportunities and challenges, shaping the dynamics of relationships and societal structures.  The purpose of this study is to investigate the intersection of empathy and digitalization, examining how they interact and mutually influence each other in practical social work. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals, consisting of four practitioners and two researchers. The findings reveal both posibillities and challenges associated with digitalization in social work and its impact on the empathy of social workers. Respondents perceive favorable prospects for enhancing empathic abilities through digitalization, citing innovation and efficiency as potential benefits. Simultaneously, they underscore the importance of collaboration in implementing digital tools and the need to critically analyze the how, why, and when of digitalization to enhance, rather than diminish, empathic capabilities.