Former Google CEO: "AI Is Unavoidable"... U.S. Graduates Boo

AI Mentioned During University of Arizona Commencement Speech
Boos Erupt Among Graduates

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and a prominent figure in the U.S. tech industry, was booed by some graduates when he mentioned artificial intelligence (AI) during his commencement speech at a university. As job seekers face a tough job market and economic hardship, resentment toward AI appears to be growing.

According to NBC and Business Insider, Schmidt delivered the commencement address at the University of Arizona on May 17 (local time). Having led Google from 2001 to 2011, he is recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s star entrepreneurs.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google. Instagram capture

However, the reaction from University of Arizona graduates was cold. During his speech, Schmidt explained how computers and the internet have transformed the economy and social structure, criticizing that "the platforms that gave everyone a voice have damaged the public sphere," and "they have rewarded anger and amplified our worst instincts."

He then shifted the topic to AI. As Schmidt highlighted the productivity and innovation of AI, some graduates began to boo. In response, Schmidt acknowledged, "I understand how you feel," and admitted that "there may be fears that machines are coming, jobs are disappearing, the climate is collapsing, and politics are polarized."

Nevertheless, he emphasized that "AI is an inevitable change" and "the future is still unwritten." Despite Schmidt’s explanation, some students continued to express their dissatisfaction, according to reports.

The controversy did not end there. Even before the event, some student and women’s groups criticized the selection of Schmidt as a speaker. This was due to a lawsuit filed last November by Michelle Ritter, Schmidt’s former partner and business associate. At the time, Ritter alleged that Schmidt had sexually assaulted her, and claimed he harassed her using electronic surveillance and private investigators. Schmidt has completely denied these allegations.

Meanwhile, NBC reported that at the University of Central Florida’s commencement ceremony earlier in May, a speaker was also booed by graduates after claiming that AI represented the "next industrial revolution."

According to IT media outlet Gizmodo, a survey conducted in March this year found that net support for AI (the percentage supporting minus the percentage opposing) was -20%, an even lower figure than U.S. President Donald Trump’s net approval rating of -19%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.