Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt roared at the University of Arizona’s commencement

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was greeted with cheers during a University of Arizona commencement speech after discussing artificial intelligence and fears that the technology could reshape — or replace — parts of the workforce.

Schmidt, who led Google from 2001 to 2011, spoke to graduates Friday while reflecting on how technology has changed society during his career. The situation changed, however, when he turned to artificial intelligence – a topic that has fueled concerns about job displacement among young workers entering the labor market.

“The same tools that connect us also divide us. The same platforms that have given everyone a voice… have brought down the social scene,” Schmidt told the graduates.

The boos from the crowd intensified after Schmidt compared artificial intelligence to previous versions of the technology.

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“I know how a lot of you feel about that. I do,” Schmidt said, apparently speaking to the boss. “There is a fear in your generation that the future has been written, the machines are coming, jobs are evaporating, the climate is collapsing, politics is falling apart, you are inheriting the chaos you did not create.

Schmidt acknowledged those fears as “reasonable” but said graduates should help shape the future of AI rather than reject it.

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“The question is not whether AI will shape the world. It will,” Schmidt said. “The question is whether you will have developed artificial intelligence.”

The exchange underscored the growing concern surrounding artificial intelligence as major companies rapidly deploy AI tools across industries. Companies including IBM and Klarna have publicly discussed using AI to streamline operations and reduce certain staffing needs, particularly in managerial and entry-level jobs.

The boos from the crowd intensified after Schmidt compared artificial intelligence to previous versions of the technology. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found most Americans are still more concerned than excited about the growing role of AI in everyday life and the economy.

Schmidt’s appearance has also been criticized by other student activist organizations for allegations of sexual harassment raised in a lawsuit filed last year by Michelle Ritter. Schmidt dismissed the allegations, which the lawyer previously described as false. Earlier this year, a judge ordered that the dispute be settled.

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The University of Arizona defended its decision to invite Schmidt as the commencement speaker, citing his contributions to technology and scientific research.

“He helped lead Google to become one of the most influential technology companies in the world and continues to advance research and discovery through major philanthropic and scientific initiatives,” university spokesman Mitch Zak said in a statement.

The University of Arizona defended its decision to invite Schmidt as the commencement speaker. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A similar incident occurred earlier this month when real estate executive Gloria Caulfield was met with backlash after linking AI to “the next Industrial Revolution” during a speech at the University of Central Florida.

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Without holding back, Schmidt urged graduates to embrace open debate and innovation, saying technological change is always inevitable.

“The future is not finished,” Schmidt said in his closing remarks. “It’s your turn now to fix it.”