AI Surprises Arizona College Grads By Reading Their Names At Commencement

AI Takes Over Graduation Traditions

During a recent commencement ceremony at an Arizona college, students and families were surprised to hear their names read aloud by an artificial intelligence system instead of faculty or staff. Videos of the event, showing the AI pronouncing names with varying accuracy, quickly went viral on social media. While some attendees found humor in the AI’s imperfect delivery, others lamented the loss of a personal touch and human warmth at a significant milestone. The experience sparked a flurry of online debate about the appropriateness and emotional impact of automation at important events.

Mixed Reactions Spark Broader Discussion

The decision to use AI for name-reading was met with mixed reviews. Some students joked about the “beautiful personal touch” while others expressed disappointment, viewing the switch as impersonal and a sign of increasing reliance on technology. The college defended its decision by highlighting efforts to ensure correct pronunciation and to cope with staff shortages. This incident has fueled broader conversations about where and how AI should be deployed, particularly in situations that traditionally emphasize personal interaction and meaningful human experiences.