On Saturday, 5/18/19, Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a commencement speech at Tulane University, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Like many universities, it is a liberal enclave within a conservative state.

Granted, the criticism in his speech wasn’t as explicit as I liked, but his message was clear. It’s much better the typical, useless speeches where students are told about ‘happily every after’ just because they ‘conquered college’, and then are shocked to suddenly find themselves unemployable in the adult world.

Cook warned students not to fall for social media algorithms, such as Facebook’s, stating that “Today, certain algorithms pull you toward the things you already know, believe, or like, and they push away everything else”.

Indeed, America’s free thinking is eroding because too many young adults are being brainwashed by algorithms that only gives updates on what users are comfortable hearing. As a result, many were shocked and disappointed to hear that Hillary Clinton lost in 2016 because many people didn’t like her ideas. (Surprise!)

And considering that Facebook has recently banned different views, especially conservative ones, it’s more crucial than ever to realize that its ‘echo chamber’ will only get narrower. Additionally, college campuses are usually leftist echo chambers themselves. Cook rightly urged students to, “Push back. It shouldn’t be this way. But in 2019 opening your eyes and seeing things in a new way can be a revolutionary act.”

“It’s about recognizing that human civilization began when we realized that we could do more together,” Cook explained. This perfectly reflects what’s missing in our politics: working together. Instead of “Not my president!” or “I’m with her”, let’s consider “stronger together” when working with all Americans, no matter their opinion. We’re all part of Team America.

Considering that Cook is gay, supports gay marriage, lives in a radically liberal electorate, and is idolized by young adults, he was the perfect candidate not only to fall into an echo chamber, but also to advocate open-mindedness. I hope the audience found Cook’s honesty refreshing.

Honestly, I’m just glad the ceremony didn’t turn into a protest or riot. That’s a good start.