Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak got cheers, not boos, after telling students they 'all have AI — actual intelligence'

In a refreshing twist at the Grand Valley State University graduation ceremony, Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak received enthusiastic applause while discussing artificial intelligence. Addressing the graduating class earlier this month, Wozniak reassured students who are stepping into a workforce increasingly influenced by AI technologies. "You have AI — actual intelligence," Wozniak declared, prompting laughter and cheers from the audience. He elaborated on the complex nature of AI, explaining, "It would take too long to go deeply into what I think about AI, but we've been trying to create a brain. Is there a way we can duplicate a routine a trillion times and have it work like a brain? AI is one of those attempts." While Wozniak's speech was met with positivity, the same could not be said for other AI-themed commencement addresses. Notably, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and real estate executive Gloria Caulfield faced backlash, receiving boos for their remarks on AI at other graduation events. As new graduates enter an evolving job market shaped by AI advancements, Wozniak's insights resonate deeply. He reflected on his time at Apple and encouraged the graduates to embrace originality in their careers, stating, "You should always try to think different. Don't follow the same steps as a million other people. Think, is there something I can do a little different?" His words serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation in a rapidly changing technological landscape.