Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt received an unexpected reception when he addressed University of Arizona graduates about artificial intelligence. According to MIT Technology Review, when Schmidt told the class of 2026 that their task is to help shape AI, he was met with a resounding chorus of boos from the audience.
The incident highlights a disconnect between AI industry leaders’ enthusiasm and public sentiment, particularly among younger generations who will be most affected by the technology’s development. MIT Technology Review notes that “it is one thing to say AI will change the world. It is another to expect the class of 2026 to applaud it.”
The negative reaction at the graduation ceremony suggests growing skepticism or concern about AI among university students, contrasting sharply with the optimistic narratives often promoted by technology executives. The booing occurred during what is typically a celebratory occasion, indicating strong feelings about the subject among the graduating class.