Here's why people are booing college commencement speakers this year

Graduation ceremonies across the United States saw unusual backlash this year as students booed commencement speakers who mentioned artificial intelligence. At the University of Central Florida on May 8, real estate executive Gloria Caulfield triggered loud boos after describing AI’s rise as the 'next Industrial Revolution.' The crowd yelled 'AI sucks!' but later cheered when she noted AI’s rapid integration into daily life. Similar reactions occurred at Middle Tennessee State University, where Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta faced boos while discussing AI’s role in rewriting industries like music production. 'I know it. Deal with it,' Borchetta responded, framing AI as an inevitable tool. The pushback reflects broader student anxieties about AI’s impact on jobs, according to Fabrizio Cariani, a philosophy professor at the University of Maryland. Some students embrace AI, while others fear its effects on entry-level employment. Meanwhile, Glendale Community College’s May 15 ceremony turned contentious when an AI-powered graduation announcer botched hundreds of students’ names, prompting boos from the crowd. President Tiffany Hernandez acknowledged the failure on stage, calling it 'a lesson learned.' These incidents highlight a growing divide over AI’s role in education and the workforce. While some speakers defended the technology, the boos suggest graduates remain skeptical about its long-term benefits. The backlash underscores how AI has become a polarizing topic, even during celebratory events like commencement ceremonies.