Let's dive into a fascinating phenomenon that's been making waves in recent news: the unexpected backlash against AI enthusiasts at university commencement speeches. It's a story that reveals a lot about the complex relationship between young people and the future of technology.
The AI Enthusiast's Dilemma
Imagine you're a former tech giant CEO, known for your expertise and success in the industry. You're invited to speak at a university graduation, a prestigious honor. You prepare a speech, full of enthusiasm and optimism for the future of AI. But as you step up to the podium, something unexpected happens.
The crowd, full of young, educated minds, starts to boo. Their reaction is not one of applause or admiration, but of dissent and disagreement. What could have gone wrong?
Reading the Room
In the case of Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, his speech touched on the fears and concerns of the graduating class. He acknowledged the challenges they face, from climate change to political fractures. But then, he made a crucial mistake: he underestimated the intelligence and awareness of his audience.
Schmidt's words, while well-intentioned, came across as condescending. He spoke of AI as an inevitable force, something that would 'touch everything else,' and implied that the graduates would have a role in shaping this future. But to a crowd that has likely spent years studying and discussing these very issues, his message felt outdated and insensitive.
A Crude Barometer
What's particularly interesting about these commencement speech backlashes is that they serve as a unique barometer for public sentiment. They're spontaneous, unscripted reactions to ideas and figures that are often carefully curated and controlled in other settings.
When we look back at previous incidents, we see a pattern. In 2001, a speech urging vigilance for civil liberties was met with boos, reflecting a post-9/11 jingoistic sentiment. In 2016, a speech defending the media against Trump-era criticism was met with hostility, foreshadowing the divisive political landscape to come.
AI's Uncertain Future
So, what does this mean for AI? Well, a recent poll found that people's disapproval of AI is intense, with a net approval rating of -20. This is even more negative than the disapproval of Trump's immigration policies. If we interpret these commencement speech reactions as tea leaves, it seems the next decade could see a prolonged negative reaction to AI.
This raises important questions. How can we ensure that AI development is ethical and beneficial for all? How can we protect labor and prevent deskilling and surveillance? These are the challenges we must address to navigate this complex future.
A Word to the Wise
For those planning to address graduating classes, remember: these students are well-read and informed. They've dedicated years to their education and are aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They don't need to be told about AI; they need to be heard and understood. So, approach these speeches with humility and an open mind, and you might just avoid a booing into oblivion.
