NYU News Examines the Promise and Perils of AI in Social Work

  • Posted by NYU Office of Public Affairs
  • Categories News, Research
  • Date September 22, 2026
Cover of Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Bridging Technology and Humanity, edited by Ruopeng An and Michael A. Lindsey

A new NYU News feature draws on an open-access book coedited by C+M Center Director Ruopeng An and NYU Silver Dean Michael A. Lindsey to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming social work research, education, and practice.

The article highlights promising applications of AI, including faster responses to urgent mental health messages, homelessness prevention, assistive technologies, disaster warnings, and simulation-based training. It also considers significant concerns—from opaque decisions and surveillance to biased predictions, misuse of student data, and algorithms built without representative data.

Drawing on Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Bridging Technology and Humanity, An and Lindsey emphasize that AI should support—not replace—human judgment. Its impact depends on how systems are designed, what data they use, the actions their predictions trigger, and whether affected communities have a meaningful voice.

The feature offers a timely, balanced look at what responsible AI adoption will require if these technologies are to advance human dignity, equity, and care.

Read the full NYU News article for all 10 examples and commentary from An and Lindsey.

Source: Robert Polner, “Ten Pros and Cons of Using AI in Social Work,” NYU News, Office of Public Affairs, September 22, 2026.

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