At recent graduation ceremonies, speakers praising artificial intelligence (AI) have faced notable backlash from audiences, particularly younger attendees. This trend was highlighted earlier this month when Gloria Caulfield, a real estate executive, was met with boos after referring to AI as “the next industrial revolution” during a commencement address at the University of Central Florida. The reaction repeated last week when Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, was interrupted and pressured off stage after stating that AI “will become part of how work is done.”

The responses reflect a broader skepticism and concern about AI among younger generations. Surveys indicate only 18% of Generation Z express hopefulness about AI’s future, while 47% of voters under 30 view the technology negatively, the highest proportion across all age groups. This apprehension is rooted in the tangible effects AI is having on the job market, particularly for recent graduates. Entry-level jobs are increasingly scarce, and automated hiring processes are perceived as opaque and impersonal.

Adding to the unease is a widespread belief that government regulators are ill-equipped to address the challenges posed by AI. Some critics argue that the tech industry’s leading firms are leveraging financial resources through lobbying and political action committees to shape policies that favor their interests, potentially at the expense of younger workers’ long-term prospects.

The mixed reception at these commencements suggests that invoking AI’s benefits without acknowledging its disruptive consequences may be poorly received by today’s graduates. As AI continues to integrate into workplaces, the balance between its potential advantages and the concerns of a new workforce remains a contentious issue.