While politicians and society debate screen time, social media bans and the impact of digital media on young people, social work is also facing fundamental questions: How does a profession that thrives on relationships, closeness and direct interaction deal with e-sports, artificial intelligence and digital spaces?
For Prof. Dr. Rainer Schliermann from the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences at OTH Regensburg, one thing is clear: the digital world of young people must neither be ignored nor uncritically accepted in social work. ‘We must remain curious – but professionally reflective,’ he emphasises.
E-sports as youth work?
Opinions are divided when it comes to e-sports – in sports science as well as in social work. ‘According to the traditional understanding, sport requires relevant physical activity and a corresponding energy expenditure,’ explains Schliermann. At the same time, it is obvious that digital gaming and competition formats are a natural part of everyday life for many young people.
In practice, e-sports activities could serve as a complementary form of leisure and social interaction, for example in youth centres. They open up new avenues to target groups that are difficult to reach through traditional exercise programmes.
At the same time, Schliermann urges caution. Studies have shown for years that children and young people are not getting enough exercise and that basic motor skills are tending to decline. ‘Digital activities must not replace real-life exercise,’ says the professor. Experts also need to keep an eye on tendencies to retreat into digital subcultures and the potential loss of control associated with excessive use. Scientifically, the field is still in its infancy – both in terms of potential and risks.
Artificial intelligence: support rather than replacement
Artificial intelligence has also played a minor role in social work to date. Looking ahead, Schliermann sees potential primarily in administrative areas, such as documentation or organisational tasks.
However, the concepts are not yet mature enough for direct educational work. ‘Relationship work cannot be automated,’ he clarifies. Social work remains a professional field that is essentially characterised by empathy, trust and personal interaction.
A changing professional field
The examination of digital environments will have an even greater impact on social work in the future. At the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences at OTH Regensburg, relevant issues are therefore increasingly being addressed in teaching and professional discussions. The aim is to prepare students to critically reflect on digital developments and classify them professionally.
Between the gym and the touchscreen, it is clear that social work is not faced with an either/or situation. Rather, it is a matter of integrating new digital formats responsibly without losing sight of the core of the profession.
