UCF graduates boo commencement speaker over AI remarks

UCF graduates boo commencement speaker’s remarks on AI

 (AP) — 

The reaction came during a ceremony for UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, where many graduates are pursuing careers in creative fields such as writing, music and animation.

A commencement speech at the University of Central Florida drew boos from graduates.

The reaction came after a speaker praised artificial intelligence during a ceremony for the College of Arts and Humanities.

The backstory:

Students reacted negatively when speaker Gloria Caulfield described AI as "the next industrial revolution" and said society is living through a period of profound change. 

Many graduates in creative fields such as music, animation and writing appeared to take issue with the message. 

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Some students said the remarks struck a nerve because of concerns that AI could replace creative jobs, lower wages and make already competitive fields more difficult to enter.

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The reaction later softened when Caulfield added, "Only a few years ago AI was not a factor in our lives," drawing cheers from the crowd. 

A UCF spokesperson declined to comment.

The Source: This story was written based on video shared by the University of Central Florida and comments from UCF students.

 

Orange County NewsUniversity of Central FloridaEducationArtificial Intelligence