Technology Vs. Human Service

Most settlement service providers in Canada have come to view emerging technologies, such as social media, as potential outreach and service channels. In most cases, technology is used to augment existing face-to-face services. However, not everyone in human services is enamored with technology; organizations don’t assume that technology is right for every service, client, worker or project. In many cases, agencies already have ‘hybrid clients’ – clients who interact with service providers face-to-face at times, and using technology in others. Over time, given newcomers’ preferences, the ‘virtual only client’ will evolve. This means that organizations should work to enhance online service provision to reach more newcomers, in order to ensure their success.

Learn more: New Canadian’s Journey Through the Social Media Landscape; Issue 26