AI And Job Futures: Exploring Public Sentiments On Technological Impact In YouTube Comments

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economic landscapes, generating both enthusiasm and fear regarding its impact on jobs. While experts emphasize AI’s potential to enhance productivity and create new roles, public sentiment largely reflects concerns about job displacement and automation. Despite extensive research on AI’s labor market effects, a gap remains in studies that integrate public sentiment analysis, economic data, and media framing. This research addresses this gap by analyzing 11,708 YouTube comments on AI-related videos using sentiment analysis with the RoBERTa model, thematic extraction via ChatGPT, and linguistic analysis through Voyant Tools. Findings reveal that over 50% of public discourse expresses negative sentiments, with concerns centering on job loss, automation, and loss of human control. The most frequently discussed sectors include technology, healthcare, and finance. Media narratives were found to play a critical role in amplifying fear through sensationalist portrayals, often exaggerating AI’s disruptive impact. Public perception significantly diverges from expert discourse, which focuses on AI’s long-term economic benefits and job transformation rather than immediate displacement. This disconnect highlights the need for proactive strategies to address misinformation and workforce adaptation. Bridging the gap requires balanced media reporting, reskilling programs, and transparent policy frameworks that emphasize augmentation over automation. Policymakers must ensure equitable AI integration, while businesses should prioritize human-AI collaboration. Educational institutions must equip individuals with AI literacy to prepare them for evolving job markets. Without such interventions, AI’s potential to drive economic growth may be hindered by public resistance fueled by fear and uncertainty.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science