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Mon, 18 May 2026

Mon, 18 May 2026 Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed by graduates at mention of AI

The reaction underscores a growing anxiety among students over AI's impact on jobs and their future careers.
Schmidt acknowledged that students' fears about AI were "rational" and urged them to adapt to the technology, but also encouraged graduates to think about how they can shape AI rather than just being shaped by it. The backlash against Schmidt is part of a broader trend where speakers discussing AI are often met with hostility from students. Recent polls show that many students view AI as both a threat to their future and an obstacle to their intellectual development. A recent poll suggests 50% of American adults are "more concerned than excited" about the increasing use of AI in daily life, compared to just 10% who are more excited than concerned. Students are rethinking their fields of study, moving away from entry-level tech or statistical analysis and focusing on critical thinking, communication, and human-centric fields. The growing unease over AI's impact is reflected in a recent survey which found that significant numbers of students are shifting their majors to avoid being replaced by automation.