Last Friday, graduates from the University of Central Florida returned for their commencement ceremony but were shocked when a guest speaker began discussing artificial intelligence — technology they feared could replace them.
Gloria Caulfield, an executive with Tavistock Development Company in Central Florida, addressed the audience of future artists, designers, and media professionals. She described artificial intelligence as the next industrial revolution, drawing comparisons to the internet and text messaging.
Caulfield’s remarks drew immediate backlash. After stating that AI was not a significant factor in people’s lives just a few years ago, the graduates erupted in applause — an unexpected reaction for the speaker. However, when she added that current AI capabilities were now in the palm of our hands, the crowd booted her.
Caulfield delivered an 11-minute speech, repeatedly asserting that artificial intelligence represented the next industrial revolution. She also noted that past technological shifts had initially raised concerns but ultimately became game changers for global economic development.
The incident occurred during commencement at the University of Central Florida, where graduates from the College of Arts and Humanities and the Nicholson School of Communication and Media were in attendance.
