If you’re giving a commencement speech in 2026, maybe don’t mention AI
Original reporting by TechCrunch
This commencement season, a surprising trend is emerging: mention artificial intelligence, and you might just get booed. Gloria Caulfield, an executive at Tavistock Development Company, discovered this firsthand at the University of Central Florida. Her declaration that “The rise of artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution” was met with a chorus of boos, prompting her to ask, “What happened?” The audience, it seemed, was more inclined to cheer when she noted that “Only a few years ago, AI was not a factor in our lives.”
A similar scene unfolded at the University of Arizona, where former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced persistent jeers for urging graduates to “help shape artificial intelligence,” framing it as a “rocket ship” opportunity. While not every speaker has encountered such resistance — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s address at Carnegie Mellon, for instance, passed without incident — the reactions from UCF and Arizona highlight a growing tension.
This isn't merely a rejection of technology; it reflects a deeper unease among young Americans. Amid a steep decline in optimism about job prospects, many graduates view AI not as a beacon of progress, but as “the cruel new face of hyper-scaling capitalism.” Concerns about job displacement and a future dictated by machines are palpable, creating a collective sentiment that, as one student put it, simply “sucks”—a stark contrast to the “resilience” speakers often champion. The generation inheriting a world grappling with climate, politics, and technology is clearly making its voice heard.
The audible discontent at recent commencement ceremonies signifies more than just a few awkward moments for speakers; it reveals a profound disconnect between the prevailing techno-optimistic narrative and the lived anxieties of a generation entering an uncertain world. For many students, AI is not merely a tool for progress but a potent symbol of an economic future defined by potential job insecurity, algorithmic control, and widening inequality. This widespread skepticism, as mirrored in falling optimism about the job market, suggests that the "next industrial revolution" may face significant public resistance if its benefits are not perceived as equitable or its challenges adequately addressed, particularly for those facing precarious professional prospects.
Broader Repercussions
This emergent pushback demands a fundamental re-evaluation of how AI is communicated, developed, and integrated into society. It highlights a critical need for tech leaders and educators to move beyond simplistic assurances of innovation, instead engaging directly with legitimate fears regarding job displacement, ethical concerns, and the concentration of power. Ignoring this palpable generational anxiety risks alienating the very talent required to build the future of AI, fostering greater public distrust, and potentially hindering its widespread adoption. The enthusiastic embrace of AI cannot be assumed; rather, its proponents must proactively demonstrate its capacity to create genuinely inclusive opportunities and address societal challenges. Ultimately, these student reactions serve as an early warning: the future of artificial intelligence will not be solely determined by technological capability, but profoundly shaped by public perception and the industry's willingness to prioritize shared prosperity over unbridled progress.