Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt Booed at Arizona Graduation Over AI Remarks

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by students at the University of Arizona commencement ceremony when he addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. Schmidt spoke to as many as 10,000 graduating students on Sunday. He traced technology's evolution from laptops to smartphones and social media before turning to AI.

The boos began when Schmidt acknowledged fears that AI could deprive new graduates of employment opportunities. He stated that the concerns were rational and urged students to shape how the technology develops. "I know what many of you are feeling about that.

I can hear you. There is a fear," Schmidt said during the address. Similar reactions have occurred at other universities. A real estate executive was booed at the University of Central Florida earlier this month after mentioning AI as the next industrial revolution.

The CEO of Big Machine Records faced jeers at Middle Tennessee State University when he called AI a tool.

A Pew Research Center survey found that about half of Americans feel more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life. Only 10 percent reported being more excited than concerned. A Lumina Foundation-Gallup study indicated that significant numbers of students are shifting away from fields like entry-level tech and statistical analysis toward critical thinking and human-centric disciplines.

A university spokesperson said Schmidt was invited for his contributions to technology and innovation. "The question is not whether AI will shape the world. It will. The question is whether you will have shaped artificial intelligence," Schmidt said.