Sentiment and Emotion Analysis of Public Discourse on ChatGPT Using VADER Sentiment Analysis

Abstract

The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has ignited global discussions, particularly around ChatGPT, an AI tool designed to transform how humans interact with digital systems. This study explores public sentiment and emotional reactions towards ChatGPT during its initial launch period, analyzing a dataset of tweets sourced from Kaggle. Leveraging the VADER sentiment analysis algorithm, the research categorizes user reactions into positive, negative, and neutral sentiments, while also identifying key emotional tones such as joy, fear, and skepticism. The findings reveal that positive sentiment prevailed, reflecting excitement about ChatGPT’s innovative capabilities, while concerns regarding ethics and job displacement gradually surfaced, underscoring the dual nature of public opinion. Through visualizations such as bar charts, time-based sentiment trends, and word clouds, the study highlights the dynamic engagement of users with ChatGPT and its broader implications for society. Key insights suggest that public perceptions of AI are influenced by its perceived utility, accessibility, and ethical considerations. While the study demonstrates the efficacy of VADER in capturing sentiment trends, it also acknowledges limitations, including the inability to detect sarcasm or nuanced emotional expressions. The implications of this research extend to AI developers, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the importance of public engagement strategies that address ethical concerns and build trust. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital society, offering a framework for understanding how emerging technologies shape public discourse. Future research could focus on comparative analyses across different social media platforms or delve deeper into the evolution of public sentiment over time. By unraveling these complexities, this study aims to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in an increasingly interconnected world.