Critics Say Google’s Olympics Ad Misses the Mark—Here’s Why

Google’s AI Olympics ad, which has drawn a lot of flak from critics. (Supplied: YouTube)

Controversial Google AI Olympics Ad Backfires

Google’s Olympics commercial, “Dear Sydney,” featuring a father using AI to help his daughter write a fan letter to Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, has sparked widespread backlash. Viewers and critics alike question why a parent who claims to be “pretty good with words” would resort to AI for such a personal task, suggesting it sends the wrong message about offloading emotional expressions to technology.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The ad has been criticised for its tone and implications. Shelly Palmer, a Syracuse media professor, and brand strategist Michael Miraflor, highlighted how the ad felt tone-deaf, likening it to a similarly criticised Apple iPad commercial. Both experts emphasise that the ad ignores genuine concerns about AI’s role in human interactions and creativity.

Google’s Response to Negative Feedback

The negative reaction wasn’t limited to experts. Google turned off comments on the ad’s YouTube posting, possibly to avoid further criticism. This move has been seen as counterproductive, as it silences public dissent on a platform owned by Google itself, adding to the perception of the company’s disconnect with its audience.

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*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.