Dear Sydney: Google lands itself in hot water over AI-driven...
Google has faced backlash following the launch of a new Olympics advertisement featuring its AI system Gemini. Media intelligence firm Truescope highlighted that the commercial received criticism from various international media outlets, including New York Magazine, Brobible, INC.com, and CNN.
The ad titled "Dear Sydney" portrays a father expressing his daughter's admiration for American hurdler and Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The father initially believes his daughter is following his footsteps as a runner, only to discover her true inspiration lies with McLaughlin-Levrone.
In the video, the father seeks Gemini's assistance in helping his daughter draft a heartfelt letter to McLaughlin-Levrone, expressing her admiration and aspiration to break the Olympian's world record one day.
Public Outcry and Criticisms
Following the commercial's release, Google disabled comments on the YouTube video due to the overwhelming negative feedback. Truescope noted that netizens' comments primarily revolved around the following themes:
1. Loss of Authenticity and Personal Touch: Many argued that a child's handwritten letter holds more sentimental value than an AI-generated message, emphasizing the importance of genuine effort and personal expression.
2. Impact on Creativity and Learning: Concerns were raised about the potential hindrance of children's creativity and learning by relying on AI for tasks that could be done manually. Writing such a letter themselves could help develop crucial skills and ensure authentic expression.
Previous Criticisms of AI Ads
This is not the first time an AI-driven advertisement has faced backlash. Toys "R" Us encountered a similar situation when an ad featuring a young Charles Lazarus dreaming of a revolutionary toy store was heavily criticized. The use of AI in the ad led to a significant decline in sentiment towards the brand.
According to media intelligence firm CARMA, many viewers expressed disappointment and frustration with the ad's perceived lack of authenticity. The incident highlighted the importance of maintaining genuine human connections in marketing efforts.
Consumer Perception of AI
A study revealed that consumers, particularly millennials, are becoming increasingly adept at identifying AI-generated content. While some participants preferred AI-generated work, a significant portion expressed a preference for human-created content due to its perceived authenticity and engagement value.
