University of Arizona Students Express Discontent with Eric Schmidt’s AI Advocacy at Graduation Ceremony

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt took the stage at the University of Arizona for the commencement address on Friday, but his discussion about AI was met with a chorus of boos from the audience. Given the current state of the job market, it’s understandable that soon-to-be graduates might feel uneasy about the implications of AI on their future employment.

Schmidt recognized this anxiety, acknowledging that concerns about machines taking over jobs, climate issues, and political instability are “rational.” However, his discomfort was evident as he struggled to maintain the crowd’s attention, urging them to allow him to finish his thoughts.

The discontent wasn’t solely about AI; some graduates also expressed their frustration over past sexual assault allegations against him. In a bid to inspire, he told the graduates, “When someone offers you a seat on the rocketship, you do not ask which seat, you just get on.” This sentiment aligns with his previous assertion that AI is “underhyped,” showcasing a disconnect with the audience’s growing skepticism. Despite a shift in public sentiment against AI, companies continue to integrate it into various aspects of life, often disregarding the concerns of the people it affects.