University graduates are making their feelings clear. At recent commencement ceremonies, students have booed corporate leaders who praised artificial intelligence (AI). This reaction surprised many executives, but not the graduates.
In a series of viral videos, figures like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced backlash after calling AI “inevitable.” Graduates, stepping into a tough job market, reacted negatively. Penny Oliver, a George Mason University grad, summed it up: “They deserve everything they’re getting. It shows a level of arrogance.”
At the University of Arizona, Schmidt encouraged graduates to embrace AI, saying, “When someone offers you a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask which seat.” But many students saw this as tone-deaf. As journalist Marisa Kabas noted, “These young people have already been forced onto the ship and there aren’t enough seats.”
This disconnect is striking. Gloria Caulfield, a property executive, faced similar boos at the University of Central Florida when she called AI “the next industrial revolution.” Scott Borchetta, known for his work with Taylor Swift, mocked student dissent, urging them to simply “deal with it.”
Students have every right to be upset. They invested heavily in their education, only to be told their future jobs might be taken by AI. “These are not the people who have to worry about rent or job security,” said Austin Burkett, a recent MFA grad. He and others feel the frustration of being told to adapt to a technology that threatens their livelihoods.
Interestingly, responses vary depending on academic backgrounds. Graduates from liberal arts and humanities programs seem to express the most outrage, as these fields face existential threats from generative AI tools.
For many, AI isn’t just a tool; it represents a broader dilemma for young professionals. A recent Gallup poll shows that 70% of Americans oppose AI data centers nearby due to environmental concerns. Many see a troubling trend: companies push for AI adoption while using it to justify layoffs.
The sentiment against AI is also rising on social media. Videos of graduations where students boo executives have been widely shared, highlighting a growing backlash against tech leaders. Writer Margaret Killjoy noted the awkwardness in society’s blind push for AI: “You wouldn’t hire a structural engineer who gets it right about 70% of the time.”
Despite the frustration, many young people are channeling their anger into action. Graduates like Oliver hope to harness this outrage into change. Movements against AI data centers are gaining momentum, reflecting a desire to have a say in how technology impacts their lives.
Burkett finds hope in the activism of his peers. He mentioned a theater production by high school students addressing environmental issues caused by AI. This drive for change shows that young people are willing to stand up against the challenges they face and advocate for a more responsible tech future.
In a world where the stakes are high, the voice of the young generation is more crucial than ever. As they navigate this uncertain landscape, their reactions and actions will undoubtedly shape the future of work and technology.
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