AI Warning to Graduating Students
At Harvard’s Class Day on May 27, 2026, Ronny Chieng, an Emmy Award-winning comedian and star of “The Daily Show,” delivered a unique message to the graduating Class of 2026. Rather than encouraging graduates to embrace artificial intelligence as a tool for their future careers, Chieng expressed skepticism about the overuse of AI, prompting reflection on the importance of human creativity and critical thinking.
Speaking at the Tercentenary Theatre, Chieng highlighted findings from a 2025 MIT study titled “Your Brain on ChatGPT,” which warned that excessive reliance on language models can lead to what he termed cognitive debt. He firmly stated, “I’m here to tell you the mission of your generation is to destroy AI.” Chieng acknowledged the benefits of using AI in fields such as medicine and physics, but cautioned against its potential to undermine the essence of productive thought and creativity.
With humor, he recounted his own frustration with how AI is often used, particularly in mundane tasks such as reading and answering emails. “You know who else can do that? Me,” he remarked, provoking laughter from the audience as he criticized those who are unable to perform basic tasks without the aid of technology. It was a clear indication of his belief that such dependence might render individuals less capable in their professional lives.
Chieng, originally from Singapore and raised in the U.S., emphasized that creativity is a natural human trait that should not be surrendered to artificial systems. “Creating is the fun part,” he said, encouraging graduates to maintain their passion and not allow machines to overshadow their creative endeavors. His message underlined the importance of maintaining a balance between leveraging technology and preserving the fun and intellectual challenge that comes with problem-solving in any profession.
Continuing his address, Chieng elaborated on what he perceives as the upcoming battle for his generation: a struggle between depth of knowledge and superficial understanding, mastery versus imitation, as well as good taste against the tacky. He expressed confidence that the graduates would strive to be on the side of substance and authenticity.
The Class Day event, an annual celebration of Harvard’s graduating students, also featured reflections on the value of humor in confronting life’s absurdities, as shared by student Nicholas S. Kalkanis ’26. However, the interlude also included a moment of silence for a classmate who had tragically passed away the previous year, a poignant reminder of the human experiences that complement academic accomplishments.
As he concluded his speech, Chieng encouraged students to prioritize their offline experiences over their online presence, advising against chasing after money for its own sake. Instead, he urged them to follow their passions, sharing that his journey into stand-up comedy has brought him clarity of purpose and joy, which can be infectious to others. His address resonated with the sentiment that pursuing what one loves ultimately leads to a fulfilling and impactful life.