AI: The Graduation Speech Topic That Divides

As college graduates face a future intertwined with artificial intelligence, their reactions to AI-themed graduation speeches this year were anything but uniform. While some welcomed insights, others voiced discontent. Notably, Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, faced boos at the University of Arizona after highlighting AI's transformative impact.

The Mixed Reception of AI

It's no secret AI is reshaping the world. Yet, not everyone is eager to hear about it during such a important moment as graduation. Eric Schmidt's remarks on AI's role in shaping the future were met with hostility, underscoring the generational anxiety surrounding automation and job displacement. "The question is whether you'll have shaped artificial intelligence," Schmidt urged before being drowned out by the crowd.

Meanwhile, at other ceremonies, speakers like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak managed to draw cheers with light-hearted AI references. At Grand Valley State University, Wozniak quipped about "actual intelligence," turning potential tension into a moment of levity.

Comedians and Cautionary Tales

Comedians like Conan O'Brien found fertile ground in AI's controversy. During his Harvard address, O'Brien mocked AI's limitations with jokes targeting Princeton. In contrast, Delta CEO Ed Bastian shared a personal anecdote about AI's shortcomings in crafting speeches, emphasizing authenticity over algorithms. "You want to hear from me, not some algorithm of me," he insisted, resonating with the audience on the importance of human touch.

Fashion designer Jeremy Scott went a step further, ripping up an AI-generated speech at Kansas City Art Institute, much to the audience's delight. He emphasized AI's inability to replicate human creativity, a sentiment that struck a chord with the creative crowd.

The Stark Realities of AI

While some speeches entertained, others presented gritty realities. Magic Johnson's addresses at Tuskegee University and Stillman College didn't shy away from AI's economic implications. "AI isn't going to replace you at your job," he warned, "but somebody who knows AI will replace you at your job." Johnson underscored the $15 trillion opportunity AI presents by 2030, urging students to engage with it proactively.

Fareed Zakaria, speaking at Bard College, shifted the focus to human intelligence, pondering what AI reveals about irreplaceable human traits. His reflections offered a counterpoint to the prevailing AI narratives, challenging students to consider what makes us truly human.

AI's role in education and employment is undeniable, yet how we engage with it remains contentious. From humor to earnest warnings, this year's graduation speeches reflect a broader societal debate about AI's impact. As we move forward, one question lingers: Will AI define our future, or will we define AI's role in it?