Artificial intelligence: a threat to job market entry or an opportunity for superior work performance at a selected faculties at a University of Technology, South Africa

Artificial intelligence has infiltrated various industries and workplaces. The application has been examined from two primary perspectives concerning threats and opportunities for enhanced job performance. Research indicates that AI can serve as both a disruptor in the job market by replacing human roles and as a facilitator for improved productivity and work performance. This study aimed to analyse final year students' perspectives on AI, considering it either as a threat to job market entry or as an opportunity for enhanced work performance. The study utilised a quantitative research approach, employing a Likert-type questionnaire for data collection and analysing descriptive statistics to meet its objectives. Data were collected from 200 final-year students selected from five faculties at a University of Technology. The data analysis revealed that students exhibited diverse perspectives on AI. They perceive it as a threat to job market entry and work performance; however, they also acknowledge potential benefits for enhanced work performance that can be derived from AI. The results were inconclusive regarding the significance of each perspective. Further research is necessary to determine the significance of threats to job market entry and the opportunities for improved work performance related to AI.