Why AI Might Be a Commencement Speech Buzzkill
Thinking of inspiring the Class of 2026 with tales of artificial intelligence? What if I told you that might be the absolute worst idea for a commencement speech?
It’s true. According to Anthony Ha, in a piece updated on May 17, 2026, the advice is pretty direct: if you’re giving a commencement speech in 2026, perhaps skip mentioning AI altogether. This isn’t just about avoiding a dry topic; it’s about connecting with an audience that might not feel the same enthusiasm for an AI-shaped future as you do.
When we think about graduation, we often picture optimistic speeches filled with possibilities and the wonders of the future. For years, technology has been a go-to theme, representing progress and new horizons. But the evolving technology space, particularly with AI, seems to be changing that narrative. For the graduating class of 2026, a future shaped by artificial intelligence might not spark excitement; it could even bring a sense of unease or uncertainty. This shift is a pretty big deal for anyone standing at a podium, hoping to send graduates off with a memorable message.
The Evolving Tech Space and Graduate Perspectives
It’s easy to assume that young people, especially those graduating into a world increasingly run by technology, would be thrilled by discussions of new AI systems. However, the reality appears to be different. The advice to avoid AI in commencement speeches for the Class of 2026 points to a potential disconnect between what speakers might want to say about AI and how graduates actually feel about it.
Consider the context: these students have likely grown up with AI as a constant presence, not a distant future. They’ve seen its capabilities grow, its applications expand, and perhaps, its potential impact on job markets and daily life become clearer. For many, AI isn’t just a fascinating concept; it’s a very real factor in their upcoming careers and personal lives. So, simply talking about AI in glowing terms, or even as a mysterious force, might fall flat or even cause apprehension.
Instead of motivating them, it could remind them of challenges they already anticipate. Commencement speeches are meant to be uplifting, to celebrate achievements and inspire hope. If a topic, even one as important as AI, does the opposite, then it’s probably best left out.
What Does This Mean for Explaining AI?
As someone who works to explain AI agents for non-technical people, this advice offers an interesting lesson. It highlights that understanding AI isn’t just about knowing what it does; it’s also about understanding its human context. Our conversations about AI need to be sensitive to how people are experiencing its growth and what their concerns might be.
If even celebratory speeches are steering clear of AI, it suggests a broader sentiment that we in the AI explanation space need to acknowledge. Perhaps the message isn’t that AI is bad, but that its integration into society needs more careful discussion, more nuance, and certainly more empathy. When we talk about AI, especially to those just starting their journeys, we need to focus on how it can truly benefit them, address their worries, and present a balanced view rather than just a purely optimistic one.
So, if you find yourself preparing to address the Class of 2026, remember this advice. Those graduation speeches are generally low-pressure speaking gigs, and no one is there solely to hear about the latest in artificial intelligence. Focus on timeless wisdom, personal stories, or ideas that truly resonate with hope and possibility, without making AI the star of the show. Sometimes, the most powerful message is one that understands its audience, even if that means leaving out a seemingly important topic.
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