Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt [EPA=Yonhap News]

Amid growing anti-AI sentiment in the United States, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was met with boos for his commencement speech that presented AI in a positive light.

NBC reported on the 17th (local time) that Schmidt was booed multiple times during his commencement address at the University of Arizona.

In his speech, Schmidt drew parallels between AI and the past advancements of computers, recalling how they connected people, lifted them out of poverty, and disseminated knowledge to all.

He stated, "You will now work with AI agents to accomplish things that you could never have achieved alone. And it's okay if you're not interested in science, because AI will affect every field."

As boos rained down in response to these remarks, Schmidt acknowledged, "I know how many of you feel about AI. I can hear you." He then softened his stance, saying, "Jobs are evaporating in your generation, the climate is breaking down, politics is splintering. You might have fears about inheriting a mess that you didn't create, and I understand that fear."

However, Schmidt emphasized the need for young people to embrace open discussion, freedom, and equality, and to strive to connect with those with whom they disagree.

The audience's reaction to the speech is seen as a reflection of the anti-AI sentiment in the U.S.

Recently, companies like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Block have been laying off employees due to efficiency improvements from AI adoption, fueling concerns that machines are taking human jobs.

According to IT 전문매체 Gizmodo, a survey in March of this year revealed a net support rate for AI (the percentage of 'support' responses minus the percentage of 'oppose' responses) of minus(-) 20%.

This figure is lower than the net support rate for former U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies (-19%), indicating that Americans view AI more negatively than the government's immigration policies.