At the University of Arizona graduation ceremony on May 17, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced boos from the audience when he gave a speech. The topic he discussed, modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), was especially sensitive for graduates entering the workforce.

Schmidt's speech mainly focused on the impact of technology on society. He said that although people once believed they were contributing to the transmission of knowledge, the reality is far more complex. He pointed out that modern technology not only connects people but also isolates them to some extent. He mentioned that many young people are feeling uncertain about the future, especially in the face of AI development and its challenges.

"I know how you feel right now. It's a kind of fear," Schmidt said when talking about the students' reactions. He emphasized that the sense of fear young people face is understandable: the future seems already written, many jobs are disappearing, climate change is becoming more severe, and political situations are increasingly divided. Schmidt encouraged graduates to actively participate in shaping the future of AI, rather than passively accepting it.

Although Schmidt's speech caused some negative reactions, he believes that the development of AI is inevitable, and the key is whether the younger generation can find their place in it. His view is that the future world will be shaped by AI, but there are also opportunities and choices for the graduates.

On the same day that Schmidt gave his speech, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang also gave a speech at another graduation ceremony. His tone was relatively positive, as he believed AI would create more opportunities for young people, allowing them to achieve their dreams.

Notably, Schmidt has been controversial due to sexual misconduct allegations, although his lawyer denies these claims. Some students had planned to boo him before the ceremony started. The University of Arizona stated that they invited Schmidt to recognize his outstanding contributions to technology and innovation.