University of Central Florida Graduates Boo Commencement Speech on Artificial Intelligence

Graduates at the University of Central Florida booed during a May 8 commencement speech that addressed artificial intelligence. The address was delivered to students receiving degrees from the College of Arts and Humanities and the Nicholson School of Communication and Media.

, told the audience that artificial intelligence represents the next industrial revolution. She stated that AI capabilities are now in the palm of people's hands. The crowd responded with boos after the remarks.

Lubin, who earned a media production and management degree, said the topic felt at odds with humanities education. He noted that many graduates worry companies are using AI to replace artists rather than work alongside them. Alexander Rose Tyson, who graduated in animation and visualization, described the boos as a collective reaction to what he called excessive praise of the technology.

Max Pascual, who received a bachelor's degree in fine arts, wrote that the speech's focus on corporate leaders such as Jeff Bezos also distanced the audience. He added that many artists view creative labor as personally fulfilling and believe AI cannot replicate decisions drawn from lived experience.

AI had already been a point of discussion among UCF students before the ceremony. A student newspaper article in April examined debate over a class titled Art of AI, where some students said instruction emphasized tool use over traditional artistic skills.

A Gallup survey released last month found that members of Gen Z and younger generations are becoming more skeptical of AI. Caulfield later said that AI, alongside human intelligence, has the potential to help solve some of humanity's greatest problems.

Requests for comment sent to her employer were not returned.