Graduates Jeer Speakers Over AI Job Concerns

University of Arizona students jeered during a commencement speech that addressed the future of AI, according to a video posted by the school. Speakers at the University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University also faced negative reactions when they mentioned AI.

The incidents reflect wider concerns among younger Americans about how the technology may affect entry-level employment. Recent data from Gallup shows that 43% of people ages 15 to 34 think it is a good time to find a job, down from 75% in 2022.

The Labor Department reported an unemployment rate of 7.6% for 20- to 24-year-olds in April, above the overall rate of 4.3%. Some recent graduates said they sent hundreds of job applications before securing a position. A senior researcher at the Pew Research Center said recent graduates are worried about AI replacing jobs and affecting creativity and relationships.

The same researcher noted that Americans have become more wary of AI since 2021, with concern levels rising over time.

A CBS News Poll found that many Americans are willing to let AI handle routine tasks such as proofreading. Separate CBS News polling in 2025 showed that 42% of Americans believe AI will eliminate jobs in their field, while 45% think AI companies will hurt the economy.

A Pew Research survey released in 2025 found that 73% of AI experts expect a positive impact on work, compared with 23% of U.S. adults. Research from Goldman Sachs indicated that job openings in occupations highly exposed to AI have fallen below pre-pandemic levels.

LinkedIn data showed that the fastest-growing job title for young U.S. workers is AI engineer. Between 2023 and 2025, the platform added 639,000 AI-related job postings in the U.S., including 75,000 for AI engineer roles.