Gen Z Graduates Boo AI Speech, Gallup Data Shows Growing Distrust

Graduate students booed a commencement speaker who called AI (artificial intelligence) the next industrial revolution, reflecting a Gallup poll that shows excitement about AI among 14‑29‑year‑olds fell 14 points to below 25% while anger rose to nearly 30%.

At the University of Central Florida commencement last Friday, speaker Gloria Caulfield declared AI the next industrial revolution. The statement triggered booing from graduate students, drowning out her speech.

According to Gallup, excitement about AI among Americans aged 14‑29 dropped 14 percentage points to below 25%, hopefulness fell 9 points to under 20%, and anger rose 9 points to nearly 30%. Brad Pulford, managing director of HP Australia and New Zealand, said the skepticism is understandable as work demands have intensified.

The backlash highlights a gap between AI hype and the experience of young workers who see automation displacing entry‑level roles. Institutions may need to adjust curricula and hiring practices to address these concerns. Watch for policy debates on AI regulation and education reform as stakeholders respond to the shifting sentiment.