AN EXAMINATION OF COMMUNICATION FACULTY STUDENTS’ CAREER ANXIETY LEVELS IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6011Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Communication Students, Career Anxiety, DigitalizationAbstract
In today’s digitalized world, artificial intelligence (AI) transforms not only technological innovation but also social and professional structures. The communication sector is among the most affected fields. This study examines how the impact of AI on professional roles and employment expectations shapes the future-oriented anxiety of communication faculty students. A quantitative study was conducted with 377 students from four universities in Istanbul. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Reliability and validity tests were followed by factor analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation analyses. Findings indicate that students’ career-related anxiety has a multidimensional structure. Those perceiving AI as a competitor report higher levels of professional anxiety, while those viewing it as an opportunity for development show lower anxiety and even positive effects on learning motivation. No significant gender differences were found. Overall, the study demonstrates that communication students’ professional anxiety in the age of AI is shaped by threat perception, individual motivation, self-efficacy, and adaptation strategies. The results emphasize the need for universities to strengthen curricula with AI-driven competencies and to develop policies preparing students for the future labor market.
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