Google’s latest Olympic commercial hasn’t won any awards. After facing criticism, the company has decided to remove its “Dear Sydney” ad from the Olympic broadcast.
What the Ad Was About
The ad features a father who wants to write a fan letter to his daughter’s Olympic hero, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Instead of writing the letter himself, he uses Google’s Gemini AI to craft it. The ad starts off with a sentimental vibe but quickly shifts when Gemini takes over, writing a message praising McLaughlin-Levrone and adding a joke at the end.
Why People Are Upset
The ad has received a lot of negative feedback online. Many people feel it misses the point of a fan letter, which should be a personal and heartfelt message. Critics argue that using AI to write the letter undermines the genuine effort and personal connection that such letters are meant to convey. Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri even said the ad makes her want to “throw a sledgehammer into the television.”
Google’s Response
In response to the backlash, Google explained that the ad wasn’t meant to suggest that Gemini could replace humans entirely. Instead, they intended to show how Gemini can help with starting drafts or generating ideas for writing.
Tech Ads and AI Issues
This isn’t the first time a tech company has faced backlash over an AI ad. Recently, Apple was criticized for an ad showing a hydraulic press turning creative tools into an iPad, sparking fears that AI could replace human creativity.
The Real Issue
The main concern with the “Dear Sydney” ad is that it doesn’t capture the true essence of writing a personal letter. The value of a fan letter comes from the effort and emotion the writer puts into it. AI can’t replicate that personal touch, making the ad’s approach feel shallow.