As we move forward in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), it seems the younger generation views it with trepidation. In a recent commencement speech, record executive Scott Borchetta, known for founding Big Machine Label Group, faced backlash when he suggested that graduates should embrace AI as a tool for their success.
Borchetta framed his experience with the music industry’s evolution—especially the rise of streaming. He suggested that just like he adapted to streaming’s dominance, graduates should harness AI to their advantage. But the audience didn’t react well. Many booed him, expressing their frustrations over the more opportunistic take on a technology that many fear could replace jobs rather than create them.
This tension reveals a broader societal debate about AI’s role in the workplace. According to a 2022 survey from the New York Fed, about 90% of CEOs reported using AI in some capacity within their organizations, often preferring older, experienced workers over recent grads. This raises the question: if more companies are adopting AI, what does that mean for the future job market?
While some experts see potential in AI to boost productivity, the reality often tells a different story. For example, a New York Times report found that artists utilizing streaming services struggled to gain fair compensation. Despite platforms claiming to support artists, the data showed that a tiny fraction—only about 13,000 out of seven million artists—earned significant royalties from platforms like Spotify. This highlights the concern that while some benefit from new technologies, many are left behind.
Even as Borchetta attempted to motivate the graduates, his speech resonated more as a warning than an inspiration. He compared AI to a genie that can’t be put back in the bottle, pressing the idea that the young audience needed to “deal with it.”
In these unsettling times, as young professionals grapple with these changes, it’s vital to remember that adaptation and innovation are key. As they enter the workforce, they should advocate for fair treatment and seek ways to work alongside AI rather than being overshadowed by it.
Ultimately, while Borchetta’s perspective of transforming challenges into opportunities holds truths, the conversation about how to build an equitable future in an AI-driven world is only just beginning.
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Artificial intelligence,music streaming,Record labels
