The former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, was booed during a graduation address at the University of Arizona on Friday (the 15th) in the United States, as he discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market and society. The incident was reported by international media, including NBC News and Business Insider.
According to reports published by foreign press, Schmidt was reflecting on the technological evolution from the advent of personal computers to the popularization of the internet and social networks, when he stated that artificial intelligence represents a transformation on a similar scale. The comparison drew a negative reaction from part of the audience, made up of students about to enter the job market.
During the speech, Schmidt acknowledged the fears of the new generation regarding automation and the replacement of jobs by machines. “There is a fear in your generation that the future is already written, that machines are arriving and that jobs are disappearing,” he said, according to international coverage. Still, he argued that young people should actively participate in the construction and regulation of AI.
Part of the protests were also linked to sexual harassment allegations filed against Schmidt by his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Ritter, according to information published by AOL. The publication states that student groups handed out flyers before the ceremony encouraging protests against the presence of the businessman as the keynote speaker. Schmidt denies the allegations, which were referred to arbitration in the United States.
Despite the boos, the University of Arizona stated, in a statement reproduced by international press, that it had invited Schmidt due to his contributions to technology and innovation. The former executive closed the speech by saying that “the future is still undefined” and that it is up to the new generation to shape the directions of artificial intelligence.
