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ChatGPT and the labor market: Unraveling the effect of AI discussions on students’ earning expectations

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  • Huseynov, Samir

Abstract

This paper investigates the causal impact of optimistic and pessimistic ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence (AI) discussions on US students’ anticipated labor market outcomes. Our findings reveal students reduce their confidence regarding their future earning prospects after exposure to AI debates, and this effect is more pronounced after reading discussion excerpts with a pessimistic tone. Unlike STEM majors, students in Non-STEM fields show asymmetric and pessimistic belief changes, suggesting that they might feel more vulnerable to emerging AI technologies. Pessimistic belief updates regarding future earnings are also prevalent among non-male students, indicating widespread AI concerns among vulnerable student subgroups. Educators, administrators, and policymakers may regularly engage with students to address their concerns and enhance educational curricula to better prepare them for a future that AI will inevitably shape.

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  • Huseynov, Samir, 2025. "ChatGPT and the labor market: Unraveling the effect of AI discussions on students’ earning expectations," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:108:y:2025:i:c:s0167487025000157
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2025.102803
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    Cited by:

    1. Dong, Mengming Michael & Stratopoulos, Theophanis C. & Wang, Victor Xiaoqi, 2024. "A scoping review of ChatGPT research in accounting and finance," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bayesian; Belief updating; Experiment; Information nudge;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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