Imagine showing up to a party, excited to celebrate, and the host immediately launches into a detailed explanation of the newfangled kitchen appliance they just bought. Not the main event, not the reason you came, and probably not something that will get everyone on their feet. This isn’t too far off from the advice circulating for 2026 commencement speakers: maybe skip talking about AI.
The Buzzkill of the Bots?
According to a piece updated by Anthony Ha on May 17, 2026, the general sentiment is that it’s difficult to get graduating students excited about a future influenced by artificial intelligence. This isn’t just about avoiding a topic; it points to a deeper truth about how technology is perceived by those stepping into the world. For someone like me, who spends his days sifting through AI toolkits – what works, what falls flat – this idea really resonates.
When I review a new AI writing assistant, a code generator, or an image creation tool, I’m looking at its utility, its actual impact on workflow. I’m focused on whether it delivers on its promises, not on grand pronouncements about the future. And often, the reality of these tools, while helpful, isn’t exactly the stuff of inspiring speeches.
The Evolving Tech Space
The advice to steer clear of AI in graduation speeches reflects the changing technology space. Think about it: a few years ago, AI was still a relatively fresh concept for many outside tech circles. It held a certain mystique, a sense of uncharted territory. Now, it’s increasingly woven into the fabric of daily life and work. Many graduates have grown up with algorithms dictating their social media feeds, AI assisting with their research, and automated systems handling customer service.
For them, AI isn’t a futuristic concept; it’s just… there. It’s another tool, another system. And like any tool, some are good, some are bad, and some are just plain boring. When I look at the never-ending stream of new AI products, I see a mix of genuine innovation and a lot of repackaged ideas. The promise often outstrips the performance. And perhaps graduates, having lived through this rapid development, are keenly aware of that discrepancy.
Beyond the Hype Cycle
Graduation speeches are meant to be uplifting, to offer wisdom and encouragement as students embark on their next chapter. They’re low-pressure speaking gigs, as one source put it. Not a single person is there solely to hear what the speaker has to say. So, if a topic isn’t going to resonate, if it’s going to elicit more yawns than cheers, it’s probably best avoided.
The challenge with AI, especially in an inspiring context, is moving beyond the hype. We often hear about AI’s potential, its ability to solve complex problems, or its efficiency gains. But for someone entering a job market where AI might mean automation of certain tasks, or a need for entirely new skill sets, the “future shaped by AI” might feel less like an opportunity and more like an added layer of uncertainty.
From my perspective as someone who spends his days evaluating the practical applications of AI, I can see why graduates might be less than thrilled by a commencement speech centered on it. They’re probably more interested in how they can actually use the tools that work, how they can adapt, and how they can build meaningful careers, rather than abstract discussions about technology’s grand march forward. The true value of AI lies in its specific, often mundane, applications, not in broad, sweeping statements.
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