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| Google has pulled an ad for its Gemini AI tool from Olympics coverage as some viewers thought it sent the wrong message |
Google Withdraws Controversial AI Ad After Olympic Viewers' Backlash
On Friday, Google confirmed that it had pulled an ad for its Gemini artificial intelligence following negative reactions from Olympics viewers.
The "Dear Sydney" ad aimed to highlight the capabilities of Gemini AI, featuring a heartwarming story of a father explaining how the AI tool helped his daughter write a fan letter to U.S. hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. However, the ad sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it encouraged parents to have their children rely on AI rather than developing their own self-expression skills.
"While the ad tested well before airing, given the feedback, we have decided to phase the ad out of our Olympics rotation," a Google spokesperson told AFP.
Social media erupted with posts across various platforms, with many questioning whether the ad hinted at a dystopian future where human creativity diminishes due to AI. Syracuse University media professor Shelly Palmer remarked that the commercial suggested a generative AI tool could express personal feelings better than individuals themselves.
Author Linda Holmes expressed her disdain on BlueSky, stating, "This commercial showing somebody having a child use AI to write a fan letter to her hero sucks. Who wants an AI-written fan letter?"
While tech enthusiasts praise the potential benefits of AI, critics, including teachers, musicians, and artists, argue that AI threatens to replace human creativity and expression. Earlier this year, Apple faced similar criticism with an ad that depicted creative tools like musical instruments and paint cans being replaced by an iPad, set to the song "All I Ever Need Is You."
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