Introduction
Google’s Dear Sydney ad has been prevalent during the US Olympic coverage, but it has now been withdrawn following significant public backlash.
What is the Dear Sydney Ad?
If you haven’t seen the Dear Sydney ad, you can watch it below. If you already have, you might want to skip the pain of watching it again.
Fortunately, no one will see it anymore because Google has decided to pull it.
Public Reaction
“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 The Hollywood Reporter. This decision has been met with gratitude from the public.
Why is it called Dear Sydney?
The ad is titled Dear Sydney because it follows a young girl’s quest to write a letter to American track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Narrated by her father, he states, “I’m pretty good with words, but this has to be just right,” prompting Google Gemini to assist her in writing the letter.
Criticism of the Ad
Many have criticized the ad for its portrayal of a child asking an AI to write a fan letter. The internet’s comments section has expressed discontent over the mechanization and dehumanization of a cherished childhood experience. While adults understand that celebrities often have teams managing their correspondence, the idea of children relying on AI for such personal expressions has crossed a line for many.
“This ad makes me want to throw a sledgehammer into the television every time I see it,” wrote The Washington Post’s Alexandra Petri, drawing a parallel to Apple’s iconic 1984 ad where the individual triumphed over the soulless machine.
Conclusion
Google Wins the Gold Medal for Worst Olympic Ad, stated The Atlantic. The ad was criticized for co-opting the hopeful spirit of the Olympics to promote a technology that may undermine human labor.
This incident reflects a broader disconnect between the tech industry’s perception of AI and public sentiment. As seen with Apple’s previous ad misstep, there is a growing skepticism about AI’s role in personal interactions.
Key Takeaways
- Google’s Dear Sydney ad, featuring a young girl writing a letter to a track and field star with AI’s assistance, faced backlash and has been withdrawn.
- The ad was criticized for mechanizing a personal experience for children.
- Public sentiment reflects discomfort with AI’s increasing influence in human experiences.
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