Wozniak Highlights Human Intelligence at Commencement Speech
During a recent commencement speech at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, discussed artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring the significance of human intelligence. Instead of the expected backlash, his comments were met with cheers.
“You have AI,” Wozniak remarked, taking a moment as the audience anticipated his stance on the hot-button issue of technology. He then added, “Real intelligence,” which sparked enthusiastic applause from the graduating students.
Reflecting on his extensive experience in the tech field, the 75-year-old Wozniak shared, “My whole life in the technology world, I’ve followed people who are trying to figure out how the brain is built.” He mentioned specific efforts, like developing hardware and synapse chips, noting the duration it might take—about nine months. It’s kind of fascinating, isn’t it?
In contrast, Wozniak’s warm reception starkly differed from the reactions faced by other speakers at recent ceremonies. Many graduates have expressed negativity towards AI, viewing it as a potential threat to their career prospects.
Gloria Caulfield, a real estate executive, faced considerable ridicule when she suggested that “artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution” during her speech at the University of Central Florida on May 8. She attempted to regain some favor with applause shortly after claiming that just a few years back, AI was insignificant in our lives.
Similarly, Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, acknowledged boos at Middle Tennessee State University’s graduation when he addressed AI in his speech.
On May 10, Borchetta told graduates that “AI is rewriting production,” but was met with jeers from the audience. He responded, trying to appeal to their sensibilities, urging them to see AI as a tool they could utilize.
Just a week later, on May 16, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced a similar fate at the University of Arizona when discussing AI. He acknowledged the audience’s fears, saying, “I know how a lot of people feel about this. I hear you,” while being interrupted by boos. His invitation to speak had already stirred controversy, given allegations against him involving past personal conduct.
