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

Here's an awkward truth for anyone writing a graduation speech this year: AI isn't landing as inspirational material. What should be a rallying cry about innovation and possibility is falling flat with students heading into the workforce.

The problem isn't that graduates don't understand AI. They get it, probably better than the speakers do. They've used ChatGPT to write papers, watched AI art flood their feeds, and heard the drumbeat of automation stories for years now.

What they're not feeling is excited. Instead of seeing AI as an opportunity, many are processing it as a threat to the careers they just spent four years preparing for. That's a tough vibe to overcome when you're supposed to be celebrating their achievements.

The disconnect matters because it reflects a broader tension in how we talk about AI. The people building and investing in these tools are bullish on transformation. The people entering a job market being transformed are considerably less enthusiastic.

For anyone using AI tools professionally, this is worth noting. The narrative that AI will augment and empower workers isn't resonating with the next generation of talent. If you're hiring, managing, or building products for this cohort, their skepticism is data you should factor in.

The takeaway for speakers, and frankly for anyone evangelizing AI: read the room. Inspiration requires meeting people where they are, not where you think they should be. Right now, graduates are standing at a threshold wondering if the door is even going to be there in five years.