At recent university graduation ceremonies, references to artificial intelligence (AI) sparked mixed—and at times hostile—reactions from graduating students, reflecting growing concerns about the technology’s impact on future careers.

In one instance, a speaker’s claim that “the rise of artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution” was met with loud boos from the audience. The reaction intensified as the speaker attempted to continue, before briefly shifting when AI was mentioned again in a different context. The moment highlighted a divided sentiment among students, many of whom are uncertain about what AI means for their long-term job prospects.

A similar reaction occurred during a commencement speech by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona. Before he even took the stage, some student groups had already opposed his appearance due to an unrelated legal allegation he has denied. During his address, Schmidt also faced boos after telling graduates they would “help shape artificial intelligence.”

He attempted to encourage students by describing AI systems as collaborative tools and comparing opportunity in the field to “getting on a rocket ship” when offered a seat. However, parts of the audience interrupted his remarks with continued disapproval.

Not all graduation speeches mentioning AI were met with backlash. At Carnegie Mellon University, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang spoke about how AI has transformed computing without reported disruption from the audience.

The reactions come amid wider concerns among young people about employment and economic stability. Surveys show declining optimism among Americans aged 15 to 34 about job availability compared to previous years.

Experts say AI has become more than a technological issue for many graduates—it now represents uncertainty about the future of work in a rapidly changing economy. Some commentators link the reaction to broader frustrations around automation, inequality, and shifting career paths.

Even in speeches where AI was not the focus, themes of “resilience” were common this year, as speakers acknowledged the challenges graduates face in an unpredictable world.

Overall, the reactions reflect a growing divide: while some see artificial intelligence as a major opportunity, others view it as a symbol of economic anxiety and instability.