Advice for 2026 commencement speakers: Don't bring up AI
Commencement speakers in 2026 are facing backlash for discussing artificial intelligence during their addresses. Graduates at various ceremonies have booed speakers who mention AI's impact on jobs and society. Many students express concerns about AI's potential to harm their job prospects and the environment.
- ▪Graduates at Glendale Community College experienced a ceremony disruption due to a malfunctioning AI system.
- ▪Commencement speakers like Gloria Caulfield and Scott Borschetta faced boos for discussing AI's role in the future.
- ▪A poll revealed that 81% of Gen Z believes AI will decrease job opportunities.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NPR > Technology Advice for 2026 commencement speakers: Don't bring up AI By Jude Joffe-Block, Michelle Aslam Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • 5:43 PM EDT Heard on All Things Considered Glendale Community College's commencement ceremonies hit a snag just as students were walking across the stage to get their diplomas last week. The wrong names were being read aloud at the ceremony, just outside Phoenix. Some of the graduates' names didn't even get read.The college's president, Tiffany Hernandez, tried to explain the problem. "We're using a new AI system as our reader," she said, leading to loud boos from the audience.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Npr.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Npr
