La relazione mediata dalla tecnologia nelle professioni d’aiuto, in tempo di pandemia. Un’indagine esplorativa su reperti

In the complexity of the physical distancing, imposed by the pandemic, even the helping professions have had to review their practices, envisaging a new approach to the technological tools for distance communication. It is, in fact, a likely problematic approach, also because of the operating methods that historically characterize the social-assistance services with respect to the use of ICT devices, especially the slow tech ones, for maintaining the relationship. In the collective imagination, in fact, the social professions are still seen as strongly characterized by the need for "physical proximity" with the person/user. In reality, the use of instant messaging tools and digital platforms, in place of face-to-face meetings and appointments, are now part of the services' operations. The present study, based on the analysis of 29 documentary sources - articles in trade journals and web sources - aims precisely to bring out this adequacy of skills and creativity in the use of technology. Even though we are aware of the fact that the number of documents analyzed is not very high, it is possible to draw some initial conclusions: the low-tech tool has proven to be fundamental in maintaining the relationship with people; the computer equipment provided has appeared to be adequate for this task; the use of this tool has not proved to be an element of total innovation for aid professionals.