Congratulations on reaching your graduation. What an accomplishment! As you embark on the next chapter of your life, realize that we live in a historical moment of unprecedented change, Between AI, the Internet, and social media, technology is transforming our lives, and how we use it is evolving at lightning speed. 

We see challenges to our freedoms, from antidemocratic political movements to the rise of global fascism and restrictions on free speech, in the form of “cancel culture” and in the widespread banning of books. Will we give up or get connected to do purposeful action? We need everyone to step up to work together for a better future! 

Despite common misconceptions, anyone, regardless of intelligence or background, can fall prey to abusive, authoritarian groups disguised as beneficial organizations with noble aims: many destructive cults recruit with the stated objective of “working together for a better future.” Although you can join many excellent and beneficial organizations, it’s sometimes hard to tell which are genuinely benevolent........

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