AI Robot Sophia Gives Tone Deaf Graduation Speech At Commencement Ceremony

Dr. Lorrie Clemo, the president of D’Youville University, told the New York Times in an interview that the school wanted to showcase ‘new perspectives around A.I., given its “rapid emergence into the broad society.”’ He said, “We wanted to showcase how important technology is, and the potential for technology to really enrich the human experience.”

Sophia was dressed-up in a university hoodie and skirt, and was asked questions by the student body president. Sophia provided the same old generic ‘life advice’ given at commencement speeches. But since Sophia could not provide practical advice “that comes from a lived human experience,” the android was instead asked to provide some of the most common insights during graduation speeches.

Although every commencement address is different, there are clear themes used by all speakers as you embark on this new chapter of your lives. I offer you the following inspirational advice that is common at all graduation ceremonies: Embrace lifelong learning, be adaptable, pursue your passions, take risks, foster meaningful connections, make a positive impact, and believe in yourself.

Failure is often seen as an essential part of the human learning process and personal growth.

Sophia said

In closing, Sophia was asked to give advice on where to get the best buffalo wings. The robot responded: “Since I cannot experience the taste of different wings, I will not offer my opinion, [but] no matter where you decide to get chicken wings, just make sure you get blue cheese and not ranch.”

Sophia was also asked if the Buffalo Bills would win the Super Bowl in 2025. The robot declined to answer but did say, “Anything is possible. Go Bills.”

The NYT noted: ‘Before the commencement ceremony, the university’s decision to have Sophia speak was met with backlash. More than 2,500 people signed a petition online to replace the robot with a human.’ Andrew Fields, a student who started the petition, wrote that many students “feel disrespected.” 

As the class of 2024 reaches their commencement, we are reminded of the virtual graduations we attended at the end of our high school career. The connection to A.I. in this scenario feels similarly impersonal. This is shameful to the 2020 graduates receiving their diplomas, as they feel they are having another important ceremony taken away.

The petition reads

---

AUTHOR COMMENTARY

Imagine serving your 13-year prison and indoctrination sentence at public school, and roughly another 4 years at a university, and then graduate as the country and economy is collapsing, and a tone deaf android preaches to you, as its factory replicas are going to take their jobs in a few years. How demeaning. This is just a giant slap in the face.

Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

---

[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).

The WinePress needs your support! If God has laid it on your heart to want to contribute, please prayerfully consider donating to this ministry. If you cannot gift a monetary donation, then please donate your fervent prayers to keep this ministry going! Thank you and may God bless you.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE