College graduation speakers are discovering that discussing artificial intelligence during commencement addresses can lead to unwelcome reactions from students in the Class of 2026.
Recent ceremonies have seen speakers face audible disapproval from graduates when they mention the transformative effects that artificial intelligence is having across various sectors.
Real estate executive Gloria Caulfield encountered student pushback during her address at University of Central Florida’s graduation ceremony. Similarly, Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta experienced booing from students at Middle Tennessee State University’s commencement when he referenced artificial intelligence topics.
The negative student responses suggest that graduating seniors may be resistant to hearing about AI’s role in shaping their future careers and society, despite the technology’s growing influence across industries.
