The moment Google’s Gemini ad was released, it drew significant criticism from social media users and critics. The ad featured a father using Gemini, Google’s new AI, to write a fan letter to Olympic athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on behalf of his daughter, rather than writing it himself. Critics argued that the purpose of a fan letter is to establish an emotional and personal connection by expressing how much the hero’s work has impacted one’s life. The ad was accused of promoting shortcuts rather than the practice of self-expression.

Google’s Gemini Ad Sparks Backlash

Google acknowledged the negative feedback but stated that the ad did not imply that Gemini could completely replace people. They clarified that the ad aimed to show Gemini as a tool for providing a starting point, idea generator, or early draft for someone seeking assistance with writing.

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This incident is not the first time big tech companies have faced criticism for their AI advertising campaigns. A few months ago, Apple was also criticized for its “Crush” ad, which depicted a hydraulic press crushing creative tools and turning them into a new iPad. People were disturbed by these images due to fears that AI might replace the work of writers, artists, performers, and other creatives.

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Ironically, the ad suggests that the father’s words before using Gemini were already quite perfect. The draft seen from Gemini resembles more of a template cover letter.

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