Possibilities and challenges of using modern technologies in the area of social work

Upotreba digitalne tehnologije socijalnih radnika, osobito društvenih mreža, elektroničkih i tekstualnih poruka u svakodnevnom životu, stvorila je nove načine odnosa i komuniciranja s korisnicima. U radu se prikazuje kako socijalni radnici vide mogućnosti i izazove korištenja modernih tehnologija u praksi socijalnog rada i koje su preporuke za njihovo daljnje provođenje u Hrvatskoj. U ovom kvalitativnom istraživanju provedena je fokus grupa s mladim socijalnim radnicima koji kratko rade u praksi. Cilj rada bio je ispitati mišljenja o korištenju modernih tehnologija u praksi socijalnog rada iz perspektive socijalnih radnika. Nakon provedenog istraživanja može se zaključiti da mladi stručnjaci, iako poznaju moderne tehnologije i smatraju ih potrebnima u radu te smatraju da bi se trebala dalje usavršavati i nadograđivati u sustavu, misle kako cijeli sustav socijalne skrbi u Hrvatskoj još nije spreman na takve promjene.The use of digital technology of social workers, especially social networks, electronic and textual messages in everyday life has created new ways of communication and relationship with users.The paper shows how social workers see the opportunities and challenges of using modern technologies and their appliance in area of social work, as well as their recommendations for further implementation of said technologies in Croatia. In this qualitative research, a focus group was formed with young social workers with limited practical experience. The goal of the paper was to examine the views on the use of modern technologies in the practice of social work from the perspective of social workers. After the research has been finalized, it can be concluded that, although young professionals are familiar with modern technology, consider them necessary in the work and believe that they should be further upgraded and perfected in the system; they think that the entire social care system in Croatia is not yet ready for such changes