Tracking Topic Drift in AI and Workforce Narratives on Reddit: A Longitudinal Visualization from 2010–2024

Indrit Baholli; Gladiola Tigno; Florenc Hidri; Altin Sholla; Elvin Meka; Samel Kruja

doi:10.15157/ijitis.2026.9.1.1-24

Authors

Indrit Baholli Faculty of Information Technology, Tirana Business University, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6608-3239
Gladiola Tigno 2. Faculty of Engineering, Informatics and Architecture, European University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; 3. Department of Statistics and Applied Informatics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6915-0232
Florenc Hidri Faculty of Software Engineering, Canadian Institute of Technology Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8455-5430
Altin Sholla Faculty of Business and Law, Tirana Business University Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3118-5399
Elvin Meka Faculty of Business and Law, Tirana Business University Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3404-7475
Samel Kruja Faculty of Information Technology, Tirana Business University, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2717-138X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15157/ijitis.2026.9.1.1-24

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Workforce, Reddit, Topic Modelling, Longitudinal Analysis

Abstract

This article extends previous research on Reddit-based discourse of artificial intelligence (AI) and workforce automation by adding a longitudinal analysis of thematic evolution. With a sample of 4,243 Reddit posts between 2010 and 2024, we examine how attention has evolved over time between top AI-related topics of work, reskilling, regulation, and use cases such as ChatGPT. We apply Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modelling for the research and use advanced visualization tools like word clouds, heatmaps, and time-series plots to estimate topic drift. Our findings indicate that while worries over job loss and ethical governance persist, discussions over certifications and upskilling have augmented steadily. Above all, interest in generative AI started to rise steeply after 2022, indicating a remarkable change in people's opinions. These results represent the development of societal problems and technological awareness over time. This research proved helpful by using the prevalence of topics for policymakers, educators, and industry players who need to understand the changed public dis-course in the role of AI within the labour market. In this respect, it points out the increasing necessity for adaptive skills strategies and evidence-based communication.