“What happened?”: Why Generation Z workers are rebelling against AI

Last Friday, a real estate executive stood in front of thousands of graduates to give a commencement speech. Gloria Caulfield imparted words of wisdom to students at the University of Central Florida in a tradition that usually consists only of vague platitudes and polite applause.

But not this time. “The rise of artificial intelligence,” she said, “is the next industrial revolution.” As she began her next sentence, an unexpected noise filled the hall. Slowly at first, then louder and louder, the students booed her statement until it drowned out their speech.

Caulfield was shocked and raised both hands, trying to understand why they were booing. With a confused look, she turned back to the other speakers on the stage. “What happened?” she asked.

The audience…