If you’re giving a commencement speech in 2026, maybe don’t mention AI

Editor's take

University graduates in 2026 may find themselves indifferent to AI-centric commencement addresses, as the initial novelty and perceived immediate job market benefits of generative AI, like OpenAI's GPT-4 or Google's Gemini, have begun to wane. This shift reflects a growing awareness among younger generations that while AI offers powerful new tools, its impact on career trajectories is complex and not universally positive, leading to anxieties about job displacement and the need for continuous reskilling rather than immediate career acceleration.

This dawning pragmatism suggests a need for educational institutions and industry leaders to recalibrate their narratives around AI. Instead of emphasizing broad, speculative futures, the focus will likely pivot to concrete skills and applications that foster adaptability and critical thinking in an AI-augmented workforce. The challenge for commencement speakers will be to articulate a vision that acknowledges both the potential and the practical challenges of integrating AI into professional life, offering tangible pathways for graduates to navigate this evolving landscape.

Future commencement speeches might therefore concentrate on the human elements that AI cannot replicate – creativity, critical judgment, and ethical reasoning – and how these qualities will be amplified, not replaced, by AI tools. Observers should watch for how universities adapt their curricula to emphasize these distinctively human skills, and how companies begin to define the essential roles that complement, rather than compete with, AI capabilities, ensuring graduates are equipped for sustained relevance.