Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt mentions AI in graduation speech, gets booed by students

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt tried to make students of University of Arizona excited about AI during their graduation. However, it seems that Eric may have failed to read the room as he received boos from the crowd every time he mentioned AI.

In Short

• Ex-Google CEO gets booed during graduation speech for talking about AI
• Students keep booing every time Eric Schmidt mentions AI
• Some protested against Eric Schmidt over sexual assault allegations

Tech companies are going all in when it comes to AI. But it seems that public support towards AI may be lacking. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt perhaps tried to create some excitement in the minds of students during the University of Arizona’s graduation ceremony last Friday. However, from clips of the speech, it seems that the students were in no mood to join the AI bandwagon. Instead, Eric was subjected to boos from the crowd every time he uttered the word – AI.

In videos that have gone viral online, you can see Eric Schmidt – who was invited as the commencement speaker – trying to make a point regarding AI. In one clip, Eric says, “The question is whether you will help shape artificial intelligence.” But his speech is drowned by boos from the crowd. The former Google CEO tries to handle the negative reception patiently, and asks, “If you'd let me make this point, please.”

But it seems that the students are in no mood to listen. The boos continue, and Eric has no choice but to wait.

It may not be surprising to see such an incident. AI has raised fears that entry-level jobs may be replaced in the future. As per studies, companies are less willing to hire entry-level workers now. And many companies have conducted mass layoffs that have impacted thousands of workers.

Eric accepted that students have fears. He said, "I can hear you. There is a fear.” He termed the fear as rational but encouraged students to be more involved in the development of AI. Unfortunately, it appears that his words likely didn’t convince the crowd.

Eric Schmidt pauses mid-speech after boos get louder

While Eric Schmidt tries to stick to his speech, at one point, it seems that he lost patience with the students, as the boos continued to get louder. The former Google CEO decides to turn around and look the other way, until he can start speaking again.

And this really set the tone for the rest of the speech. Schmidt tried to make some points, particularly when it comes to grabbing opportunities. He said, “When someone offers you a seat on the rocket ship, you do not ask which seat. You just get on. The rocket ship is here.” The students were simply not happy.

At one stage, Eric simply said, “Let me give you some advice. First, find a way to say yes.”

After a rather eventful speech, Schmidt concluded with a few lines on happiness. He said, “Happiness, I have come to believe, is not the same as joy. Happiness is derived from meaning. Meaning in your work. Meaning in your relationships.”

Do note that throughout the speech, Eric tries to keep a smile on his face, despite the continued negative reception from the crowd.

Students protest against Eric Schmidt over sexual assault allegations

However, AI was not the only reason why Eric was having a hard time during the ceremony. As per Business Insider, some students also protested against Schmidt over sexual assault allegations made against him by his ex-girlfriend Michelle Ritter. Ritter, who is currently 32 years old, met the 71-year-old Eric Schmidt in 2020.

As per the Arizona Daily Star, student advocacy groups asked attendees to "turn their backs to the stage" when Eric appeared. Students were also encouraged that they could boo the former Google chief to “make it clear that the University of Arizona and greater community that we represent, whether from Tucson or beyond, do not support abusers being platformed."

Eric’s attorney told Business Insider that those accusations were "fabricated." In March this year, a judge ordered that the suit be settled through arbitration.

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