Colloquium Examines Technology, Ethics, and Social Media in Occupational Therapy

The Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program recently hosted its first Occupational Therapy, Technology, and Ethics Colloquium at the Interprofessional Education Building. Organized by the OTD Class of 2027 as part of their Formation IV course, which was taught by Denise Nepveux, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Ben Triplett, an instructor at the Medical Center in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the event brought together students and faculty for an engaging discussion on how technology intersects with ethical occupational therapy practice.

The colloquium featured interactive roundtables on current topics, including the impact of social media on well-being and professional identity, ethical considerations for occupational therapists as influencers, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality and deepfakes. Students served as panelists and moderators. Participants examined both the opportunities and challenges of digital platforms and innovations, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

“Our goal was to create a space where students and professionals could critically examine how technology influences occupational engagement, identity, and ethics, while also practicing respectful and professional dialogue," said Nepveux. “These conversations are vital for preparing future practitioners to navigate complex digital environments while maintaining client-centered care and professional integrity.”

Highlights included sessions on social media and youth mental health, parenting in the digital age, and the potential and risks of virtual reality in pediatric OT. Each discussion encouraged participants to consider practical ways to use technology responsibly and ethically in clinical and educational settings.

Technology was also explored in relation to well-being for occupational therapy professionals. Students discussed how one's sense of self is vulnerable when participating in offline and online communities.

"Tying your self-identity to online validation is dangerous," said Natalie Schopen, OTD'27. "If you 'like' something negative, the algorithm will feed you more of that negativity to keep you online. Reset your algorithm by searching for hobbies or positive things outside your normal searches to refresh your feed."

The colloquium also offered a chance to enhance professional communication and facilitation skills. Session moderator, Tia Clark, OTD’27, reflected, “Although I initially felt apprehensive and skeptical about leading this roundtable, I found it to be an enriching and inspiring experience. It broadened my understanding of the possibilities for me within leadership and advocacy.”

The colloquium underscored Duke OTD’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in occupational therapy education while addressing the ethical dimensions of modern practice.