The AI Hype Index: AI gets booed in graduation season

The class of 2026 is not buying into the AI hype. When former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told University of Arizona graduates that their task is to help shape AI, he was met with a resounding chorus of boos. "I can hear you," he said, before conceding that fears about disappearing jobs and a broken future were "rational." This reaction is not an isolated incident; graduates have been jeering at AI pep talks at other commencements too, including ceremonies at the University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University.

The skepticism is palpable, and it's not hard to understand why. As graduates sweat under their polyester gowns and tally their student loan payments, the prospect of an AI-driven future can be daunting. The concerns are rational, as Schmidt acknowledged.

Yet, despite the growing unease, OpenAI continues to make strides, winning court cases, raising enormous sums of money, and launching new partnerships. The AI juggernaut even has some unlikely cheerleaders. Actress Reese Witherspoon has warned women to embrace AI or risk being replaced by it.

Her comments highlight the high stakes involved in the AI revolution. As the technology continues to advance, it's clear that some people will be left behind. The disconnect between the AI enthusiasts and the skeptical graduates is striking.

While some see AI as a revolutionary force that will change the world, others fear it will change their world for the worse. As the AI hype index continues to rise, it's clear that not everyone is buying into the promise of a brighter, AI-driven future. The reaction from graduates is a sobering reminder that the AI revolution is not universally welcomed.

As AI continues to shape the world, it's essential to consider the concerns and fears of those who will be most affected by it.