Google’s Olympics Ad Went Viral for All the Wrong Reasons
Google’s recent advertisement, aired during the Olympics, intended to showcase the capabilities of its AI chatbot Gemini, has sparked widespread criticism. The ad features a father explaining his young daughter’s admiration for Olympic track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her aspirations to follow in her hero’s footsteps. Using Google’s AI, the father generates a letter from his daughter to the athlete, expressing her desire to break McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record.
The ad was meant to demonstrate how Google’s AI can assist with writing tasks, from emails to trip planning. However, it quickly drew backlash on social media platforms like Threads, X, and LinkedIn. Critics argued that the ad missed the mark by replacing a child’s genuine and creative expression with machine-generated text, highlighting a disconnect between tech companies and real human experiences.
Commentators expressed concern over the increasing role of AI in creative endeavours traditionally dominated by human effort. Some, like Will Leitch, founder of the sports blog Deadspin, lamented the loss of authenticity, while others criticized the portrayal of AI as a substitute for genuine human creativity.
In response, a Google spokesperson stated that the company views AI as a tool to enhance human creativity, not replace it. The ad aimed to present an authentic story and show how the Gemini app could serve as a starting point for writing ideas.
The controversy highlights broader societal fears about AI’s encroachment on creative fields, as tech companies continue to develop tools capable of producing art, music, and written content. Similar concerns arose earlier this year with an Apple ad, which depicted creative symbols being replaced by technology, prompting an apology from the company.
Google has not yet commented further on the negative reception of the ad.
