View Larger / The Gemini prompt interface featured in the ”Dear Sydney” advertisement. (credit: Google)
Have you come across the recent commercial from Google titled ‘Dear Sydney’? In this ad, a little girl wishes to pen a fan letter to Olympic star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, prompting her father to intervene with his writing skills but suggesting that they should utilize Google’s Gemini AI for that perfect touch.
This advertisement gained considerable traction during the Olympics; it was nearly impossible to miss. However, in response to increasing negative feedback regarding its unsettling portrayal of technology’s role in our lives, Google has decided to withdraw the “Dear Sydney” ad from television airings. A representative for the tech giant stated to The Hollywood Reporter, “Despite positive test ratings prior to its launch, we are shifting away from airing this ad due to public reaction.”
This criticism echoes similar sentiments expressed toward Apple’s recent promotion featuring a massive hydraulic press destroying various objects such as televisions and musical instruments into what was billed as their latest iPad model. While Apple’s intention was likely to highlight the iPad’s extensive creative capabilities, many viewers interpreted it as commentary on how technology could obliterate human creativity. Consequently, Apple issued an apology shortly after.
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