As commencement season comes around once again, some speakers are finding it challenging to engage graduating students in discussions about the future of artificial intelligence.
Gloria Caulfield, an executive at Tavistock Development Company, recently addressed the University of Central Florida, acknowledging the profound changes happening in our world. She mentioned that the rise of artificial intelligence marks the next industrial revolution, which was met with boos from the audience.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt also faced resistance when discussing AI at a University of Arizona speech. Despite the pushback, he emphasized the role students would play in shaping artificial intelligence.
While AI has been well-received at some graduation ceremonies, there is a growing sense of pessimism among young Americans about job opportunities and the impact of technology on society.
Journalist Brian Merchant highlighted the concerns of many students, describing AI as the new face of hyper-scaling capitalism. This sentiment was echoed by attendees who expressed dissatisfaction with speeches that seemed disconnected from their experiences and aspirations.
Resilience emerged as a common theme in this year’s commencement speeches, with speakers addressing the challenges and uncertainties facing the younger generation.
Overall, the reactions to discussions about AI at graduation ceremonies reflect a broader societal unease about the implications of technological advancements and the future of work.
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