TITLE: Brin Advises Students to Use AI, Stick to Passions

Google Co-Founder Shares AI Guidance at Stanford Event

Google co-founder Sergey Brin advised students navigating the rise of artificial intelligence to harness the technology for their benefit while staying true to their academic passions.

Brin delivered the remarks on December 12 during the centennial celebration of Stanford University's School of Engineering. He joined Stanford President Jonathan Levin and Engineering Dean Jennifer Widom onstage, reflecting on his own time at the university where he earned a master's degree in computer science in 1995.

The event marked a milestone for the engineering school, founded in 1925, and drew attention to how AI is reshaping education and careers. Brin, who co-founded Google with Larry Page shortly after his Stanford studies, addressed concerns about AI automating fields like coding.

No Need to Switch Majors Over AI Fears

When asked if he would recommend a computer science major today, Brin said his choice stemmed from genuine passion, making it an obvious decision. He cautioned against changing academic paths solely because of AI's proficiency in technical tasks.

'I wouldn't go off and switch to comparative literature because you think the AI is good at coding,' Brin said. He explained that while AI can generate code, it often produces errors with serious implications, unlike minor mistakes in more interpretive fields.

'When the AI writes the code... sometimes it doesn't work, it'll make a mistake that's pretty significant,' he added. 'Getting a sentence wrong in your essay about comparative literature isn't going to really have that consequence. So, it's honestly easier for AI to do some of the creative things.'

Brin's perspective underscores a broader debate in higher education: whether AI's capabilities should prompt students to pivot toward humanities or creative disciplines perceived as less automatable.

Embrace AI's Potential, Despite Uncertainty

Responding to a question from Levin about general advice for students facing AI, Brin emphasized the technology's fast pace of change.

'The AI we have today is very different from the AI that we had five years ago, or the AI we are going to have in five years,' he said. 'I think it's tough to really forecast.'

He encouraged proactive use of AI, noting its versatility for everyday and professional applications. Brin revealed his own reliance on the tools, turning to them frequently for practical needs.

'I would for sure use AI to your benefit. There are just so many things that you can do,' Brin said. He cited examples like using AI to select gifts for loved ones or to generate ideas for new products.

'I turn to AI all the time now,' he added, highlighting its role in enhancing creativity and efficiency.

Implications for Education and Innovation

Brin's comments come amid widespread adoption of AI in academia and industry. Tools like large language models are increasingly integrated into coursework, research and professional workflows, raising questions about skill development and job markets.

At Stanford, where Brin and Page pioneered search engine technology that evolved into Alphabet Inc., the engineering school continues to lead in AI research. The centennial event celebrated a century of innovation, from early electrical engineering to cutting-edge machine learning.

Brin's advice aligns with calls from tech leaders to view AI as a collaborator rather than a threat. He did not delve into specific predictions for AI's future but stressed adaptability.

The discussion reflects ongoing tensions: excitement over AI's productivity gains versus fears of displacement in technical fields. Educators and policymakers are adapting curricula to include AI literacy, ensuring students like those at Stanford are prepared for an uncertain landscape.

Brin's appearance underscored his enduring ties to Stanford, where Google's origins trace back to a dorm-room project. His message promotes resilience, urging the next generation to integrate AI without abandoning core interests.