Understanding the Backlash Against Commencement Speakers

Commencement speeches this year have not been warmly received, especially among the students. Many speakers have focused on the promise of artificial intelligence. However, graduates are skeptical. They face a challenging job market and significant student debt, while companies use A.I. as a reason to reduce hiring and cut jobs. Major tech leaders even suggest that A.I. technology could eliminate many future jobs.

Gloria Caulfield, speaking at the University of Central Florida, described A.I. as the next industrial revolution. Meanwhile, Scott Borchetta of Big Machine, speaking at Middle Tennessee State University, highlighted A.I.’s role in transforming production. In these instances, students showed disapproval of the pro-A.I. narrative by booing the speakers.

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, faced similar reactions at the University of Arizona. His talk about an A.I.-driven future met with intense shouts from graduates concerned about job loss and environmental issues. He urged students to shape A.I., yet his message did not resonate. His advice seemed unrealistic for many facing economic challenges, characterized by stagnant mobility and difficult job prospects.

The graduates’ frustration is understandable. Elderly and affluent individuals talking about a future dominated by data centers compounds the worry about automation taking over jobs. For many, entering the workforce feels daunting, as the value of a college degree in securing a stable job appears to diminish.

Some affluent Americans, including venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, have further criticized young graduates. Andreessen emphasized that bots, unlike humans, do not require benefits or express dissatisfaction. This dismissive attitude towards graduates only increases their anger during commencement addresses, where they are expected to cheer for a future that seems increasingly uncertain.