“Please don’t let AI take away the fun part of your chosen profession,” Ronny Chieng urged graduates. The Harvard Staff Photographer, Niles Singer, captured the moment.
During his speech at Class Day, Emmy-winning comedian Ronny Chieng, known for his role on ‘The Daily Show,’ advised the Class of 2026 to apply artificial intelligence in fields like medicine and physics, but not as a substitute for creativity and critical thinking. Citing a 2025 MIT study on the effects of language learning models, Chieng warned against cognitive debt from overuse of AI.
“Your generation’s mission is to dismantle AI,” Chieng stated. He acknowledged the beneficial use of AI in scientific breakthroughs but cautioned against its overuse leading to shallow knowledge. Chieng, an alumnus of the University of Melbourne with degrees in commerce and law, emphasized the value of creativity.
Chieng humorously dismissed the idea of using AI for mundane tasks like reading emails. “I can do that myself,” he quipped, drawing laughs. He stressed that creativity is inherently human, saying, “Creating is the fun part.” He encouraged students to avoid letting AI diminish the joy of creative endeavors.
Class Day celebrates graduating students with speeches and a guest speaker. Nicholas S. Kalkanis ’26 noted the importance of comedy in addressing life’s contradictions. The event also honored Lakota Tolloak, a classmate who passed away in January 2025. Remarks were made by David Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, and David Battat, incoming President of the Harvard Alumni Association.
Chieng urged graduates to ensure their “offline world is better than their online world” and to prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. He shared his own passion for stand-up comedy, emphasizing the joy found in pursuing what you love. “When you have clarity of purpose, every day can be a joy,” he concluded.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
