Rachel Dratch Revives Debbie Downer for Dartmouth Commencement Speech, Jokes About AI
Comedian and actress Rachel Dratch delivered the commencement address at Dartmouth College, where she lightened the mood with her popular 'Debbie Downer' character. Dratch joked about the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, suggesting graduates might face "mandatory gap years" due to the technology. She also touched upon concerns regarding data centers and potential "water wars," humorously stating that useful majors might become "foraging and hand-to-hand combat."
Actress and comedian Rachel Dratch delivered the commencement speech at Dartmouth College on Sunday, incorporating her well-known 'Debbie Downer' character from "Saturday Night Live." During her address, Dratch used the character to humorously address contemporary concerns, including the impact of artificial intelligence on future careers.
Speaking as Debbie Downer, Dratch joked to the graduates, "thanks to AI, there won't be any jobs left, so congrats to all on your mandatory gap years." She also made light of the construction of data centers and potential "impending water wars," suggesting that "the most useful college majors now are foraging and hand-to-hand combat."
Unlike other commencement speakers this season who reportedly faced boos for optimistic views on AI, Dratch's approach, aided by the comedic persona, elicited laughter from the audience.
AI has become a frequent topic at recent commencement ceremonies, as graduates enter a job market increasingly influenced by the technology. A Pew Research Center poll, released last Wednesday, indicated that only 16% of Americans surveyed held a "very or somewhat positive" view of AI's impact on daily life, while 40% expressed a "very or somewhat negative" sentiment.
Before delivering her speech, Dratch, who graduated from Dartmouth in 1988, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university.
According to Business Insider, Dratch made her remarks during the Sunday commencement ceremony.
