Job Anxiety in Post-Secondary Computer Science Students Caused by Artificial Intelligence

TL;DR

This study investigates AI job replacement anxiety among postsecondary computer science students through 25 semi-structured interviews at the University of Toronto and thematic analysis. It finds substantial anxiety about future job prospects, with software engineering, development, and web development viewed as particularly vulnerable to AI displacement, while specialized fields like AI research and quantum computing are seen as more secure—though often requiring graduate study. Upskilling and reskilling emerge as common coping strategies, driven by industry trends and the need to remain competitive, with international students facing additional residency-related pressures. The findings have implications for CS education and workforce policy, highlighting the need for balanced curricula that address AI literacy, ethical considerations, and support for students navigating a transforming job market.

Abstract

The emerging widespread usage of AI has led to industry adoption to improve efficiency and increase earnings. However, a major consequence of this is AI displacing employees from their jobs, leading to feelings of job insecurity and uncertainty. This is especially true for computer science students preparing to enter the workforce. To investigate this, we performed semi-structured interviews with (n = 25) students across computer science undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Toronto to determine the extent of job replacement anxiety. Through thematic analysis, it was determined that computer science students indeed face stress and anxiety from AI displacement of jobs, leading to different strategies of managing pressure. Subfields such as software engineering and web development are strongly believed to be vulnerable to displacement, while specialized subfields like quantum computing and AI research are deemed more secure. Many students feel compelled to upskill by using more AI technologies, taking AI courses, and specializing in AI through graduate school. Some students also reskill by pursuing other fields of study seen as less vulnerable to AI displacement. Finally, international students experience additional job replacement anxiety because of pressure to secure permanent residence. Implications of these findings include feelings of low security in computer science careers, oversaturation of computer science students pursuing AI, and potential dissuasion of future university students from pursuing computer science.