- Eric Schmidt is the latest AI advocate to be booed by students
- University of Arizona class of 2026 unimpressed with his remarks on AI
- There has been a growing backlash against technology from graduates
Less than a week after University of Florida students booed real estate executive Gloria Caulfield for mentioning AI in their commencement speech, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt received the same treatment for the same reason at the University of Arizona.
“You will help shape artificial intelligence,” seemed to be the phrase that students took most offense to, according to The Verge, although Schmidt also acknowledged the concerns and fears that come with AI, including significant changes in the job market.
Look on it
Along with Caulfield’s speech, it was the phrase “Artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution” that received the loudest boos, while The Register reported a similar reaction to mentions of AI at Middle Tennessee State University by record producer Scott Borchetta.
It seems the class of 2026 isn’t really ready to hear about the benefits of AI just yet, and is much more concerned about the arrival of an AI apocalypse – a worry driven by an increase in deepfakes, hallucinations, energy shortages, and out-of-control robot agents.
A “insane message” to deliver
Former Google CEO receives massive backlash for praising AI during r/singularity graduation
Most online reactions to Schmidt’s speech were negative. “Learn to read the room,” advised one Reddit user, while another described it as a “crazy message” to give to new grads who are told AI could fill every job they’re about to apply for.
For others, it’s not that AI is inherently bad as a technology, but rather that AI companies and regulators aren’t doing enough to help those who will be negatively affected by it. There is a real fear that the rich will get richer and leave everyone else behind.
We’re at an interesting tipping point where AI companies are increasingly promoting the technology, while many companies are struggling to use it effectively, and those who think they could be supplanted by AI continue to complain about it.
As for Schmidt’s old company, Google, it’s hosting its annual I/O show later today, and there should be a lot more AI in the announcements: If you want to know what the future holds (and cheer or boo accordingly), you can follow along online.
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