Microsoft, like, totally gets why students are booing AI-pilled graduation speakers
The Verge • • business
Key Points:
- Recent viral videos show college graduates booing commencement speakers who promote AI, reflecting widespread youth skepticism and discomfort with the technology despite its growing presence.
- Microsoft president Brad Smith responded in a lengthy blog post, acknowledging the graduates' reactions as a necessary wake-up call for industry leaders to "raise the bar" and responsibly shape AI's future.
- Smith emphasized that graduates, having grown up with technology, are uniquely positioned to positively influence an AI-driven world, despite uncertainties in the job market.
- Critics remain skeptical of tech executives' calls for responsible AI development, given the industry's prior warnings about AI risks followed by rapid deployment and mixed messaging.
- Smith’s message appears partly aimed at corporate leaders, urging them to heed the graduates' demand that AI should augment rather than replace people, highlighting a disconnect between executives and public concerns.