The AI Hype Index: AI gets booed in graduation season

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by University of Arizona graduates after telling them their task is to help shape AI, with similar jeers occurring at commencements at the University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University. The backlash reflects growing skepticism among graduates about AI's impact on jobs and the future, even as OpenAI continues to win court cases, raise funds, and launch new partnerships.

The AI Hype Index: AI gets booed in graduation season MIT Technology Review ’s highly subjective take on the latest buzz about AI It is one thing to say AI will change the world. It is another to expect the class of 2026 to applaud it. In fact, when former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told University of Arizona graduates that their task is to help shape AI, he was met with a resounding chorus of boos. “I can hear you,” he said, before conceding that fears about disappearing jobs and a broken future were “rational.” This is not exactly the message one hopes to hear while sweating under a polyester gown and tallying student loan payments. Graduates have been jeering at AI pep talks at other commencements too, including ceremonies at the University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University. Still, increasingly loud skepticism hasn’t stopped OpenAI from winning court cases, raising enormous sums of money, and launching new partnerships. And AI is even earning some unlikely cheerleaders: Reese Witherspoon has warned women to embrace it or be replaced by it. Deep Dive Artificial intelligence Want to understand the current state of AI? Check out these charts. According to Stanford’s 2026 AI Index, AI is sprinting, and we’re struggling to keep up. 10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now MIT Technology Review's authoritative overview of the 10 technologies, emerging trends, bold ideas, and powerful movements in AI in 2026. Musk v. Altman week 1: Elon Musk says he was duped, warns AI could kill us all, and admits that xAI distills OpenAI’s models Musk kept his cool, and OpenAI’s lawyer bulldozed him with piercing questions about his motivations for suing the company. A new US phone network for Christians aims to block porn and gender-related content Launching next week on T-Mobile's network, the cell plan takes a nuclear approach to online safety. Stay connected Get the latest updates from MIT Technology Review Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.