Google’s Gemini AI Ad Criticized for Downplaying Human Emotions, Taken Down Amid Backlash

Google has taken down a recent advertisement promoting its Gemini AI app after it received backlash online. The 60-second video, which aired in the US ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, featured a father’s monologue about his daughter’s admiration for US track athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The ad’s twist came when the monologue was revealed to be a Gemini AI prompt, with the chatbot generating a fan letter in response.

The ad drew criticism on social media, with many questioning the purpose of sending a letter not written by the sender. Others felt the tone of the ad was tone-deaf, undermining the value of human connections. Despite the negative feedback, Google initially defended the idea behind the ad, saying that AI can enhance human creativity but cannot replace it.

The ad was created by Google’s in-house creative team and was reportedly tested well before airing. However, after receiving public feedback, the tech giant decided to phase the ad out of its Olympics rotation. The decision comes as Google is also the official “Search AI Partner” of Team USA during the sporting event.

The Gemini AI ad has sparked a debate about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes and the importance of human emotions in storytelling. While Google believes AI can be a useful tool, critics argue that it should not replace the value of human connection and emotion in our lives.