ABSTRACT
Art therapists need to take a meaningful look at some of the challenges and benefits that social media can have on the clients we serve, the therapeutic relationship, and how to best navigate social media with purpose and responsibility in our own use. This chapter takes a closer look at topics related to some of the challenges and benefits of social networking. The first part addresses how social media can influence our lives both negatively and positively in forming and sustaining relationships, building self-esteem and identity, as well as supporting well-being. This section also includes the role of digital social responsibility to clients and educating clients about social media use in respect to confidentiality and sharing their art within an online setting. The second half of this chapter explores some of the challenges art therapists may face in their own social media use related to privacy management and digital boundaries. Best practice suggestions are presented to help minimize these potential risks. The chapter also addresses the benefits of social media for art therapists, particularly in relationship to creating connection, support, and decreasing professional isolation. Digital social responsibility resources, an art experiential and discussion questions are provided to further support chapter content.
