Use of Big Data

The Situation

One situation in social work in which big data might complicate the understanding of a phenomenon is the use of predictive analytics to determine whether child abuse or neglect might occur. Depending on big data, agencies evaluate risk factors associated with even more serious future harm, such as economic hardship, parental substance use, or mental health challenges. These can be helpful but do not always factor in the complexity of individual situations: Use of Big Data.

Why the Use of Big Data Could Be Problematic in This Situation

Big data could be problematic since it simplifies human behavior and generates biased and wrong predictions or stigmas. Predictive models utilize past data, which may include undertones of bias and be incomplete in terms of representation for specific populations such as low-income families or racial minorities. These biases could lead to over-intervention in some communities, which may not have a higher actual risk for abuse.

A further problem with big data is that it encourages dependence on algorithms and, therefore, the replacement of human judgment. Algorithms can recognize patterns from enormous data sets but cannot provide the empathy, understanding, and contextual insights that social workers contribute to cases (Adadi, 2021). When organizations overemphasize data-led decision-making, it can dehumanize the process, where families are viewed through statistics rather than as individuals with unique challenges.

Lastly, big data in child welfare use can lead to privacy issues or ethical challenges. Some data gathered and processed could be sensitive, including the health systems or criminal history information about families, which could be misused if not adequately protected (Ko et al., 2024). This raises valid concerns regarding how consent works and to what extent individuals know data is being collected. Using data without families knowing or when there is no confidence in the system can destroy the relationship between social workers and the families it was meant to assist.

References

Adadi, A. (2021). A survey on data‐efficient algorithms in big data era. Journal of Big Data, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-021-00419-9

Ko, H., Baugerud, G. A., Köpp, U. S., Johnson, M. S., & Hovden, E. a. S. (2024). Exploring information-gathering techniques in medical and dental interviews for child abuse and neglect: A comprehensive scoping review of existing gaps. International Journal on Child Maltreatment Research Policy and Practice, 7(3), 425–445. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-024-00197-w

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Consider a situation in which the use of big data might cause barriers to understand a phenomenon.

In a post of at least 275 words, address the following:

• Briefly describe the situation.
• Explain why the use of big data could be problematic in this situation.

Subject Area: Social Work

Use of Big Data