Those enjoying NBC's coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics have been subject to the same rotation of ads throughout the Games so far. One commercial in particular has managed to upset quite a few viewers: Google's Gemini AI "Dear Sydney" ad.
At first glance, the commercial appears to be a sweet story about an aspiring young track star and her hero, Team USA member Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Contrary to what the company intended, however, the commercial seems to deliver the message that its Gemini AI should be used in place of the girl's own thoughts to draft a letter to her idol.
Many found that using AI to write the note strips it of its authenticity and personality, and the girl's father's role in encouraging the use of the technology also sends a controversial message about parenting.
Here's everything you need to know about the ad that's making waves as a feature of the Games.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Google commercial, explained
The commercial begins with a father describing his daughter's love for track, also expressing her love for McLaughlin-Levrone. He then begins to talk about the AI.
"She wants to show Sydney some love, and I'm pretty good with words, but this has to be just right," he says.
He continues, but speaking to the AI software: "So Gemini, help my daughter write a letter telling Sydney how inspiring she is, and be sure to mention that my daughter plans on breaking her world record one day."
The ad then shows the software writing up an entire draft of a letter to be used in place of the girl's own words. Unfortunately, maybe not the greatest message to send to kids who want to contact their idols.
Here’s to everyone chasing big dreams this summer. #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/Yku7JXI2TR
— Google (@Google) July 26, 2024
MORE: When does track and field start in the Olympics?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Google commercial reactions
Social media has been in a frenzy over the controversial commercial. Here are some reactions so far:
The Google commercial where the dad has his daughter use AI to construct a note to her favorite athlete rather than encourage her to write what she actually wants to tell her hero takes a little chunk out of my soul every time I see it.
— Will Leitch (@williamfleitch) July 28, 2024
Am I the only one horrified by the “My daughter can’t write a fan letter to her favorite athlete without Google AI’s help” commercial in heavy Olympics TV rotation?
— Chicago Bars (@chicagobars) July 28, 2024
Seeing that Google Gemini AI ad really hurt my heart as someone who has taught writing to many young kids. Suggesting a child that young should use AI to write a letter to their Olympic hero is a suggestion to steal important experiences from that child
— Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (@jtbigelow) July 28, 2024
I think we can all agree that the big loser of the #Olympics is the Google Gemini AI ad where they think an AI-written letter is better than a sweet note from a young girl to her favorite athlete.
— Kaitlyn Arford — Freelance Writer (@kaitarford) July 28, 2024
That Google ad talking about AI writing a fan letter from a little girl to her favorite athlete might be the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen.
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) July 28, 2024
Their pitch is really “hey, we can feel and express emotions so your daughter doesn’t have to”?
Google AI ad: We are to imagine a father asking AI to write a letter for his daughter to an athlete.
— Jennifer A. Frey (@jennfrey) July 29, 2024
The athlete should feel good about receiving an AI generated letter? The Dad is supposed to feel like a good parent? To whom does this appeal?
Who is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?
McLaughlin-Levrone is a hurdler and sprinter on Team USA, competing in her third Olympics. She appeared in Rio at just 16 years old but didn't win her first medal until the Tokyo Games, where she came first in the 400m hurdles. Additionally, she was a part of the winning 4x400m relay team in 2021.
MORE: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone track schedule
Most recently during the 2024 Olympic trials, McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record in the 400m hurdles at 50.65 seconds. The previous record was set at the 2021 Olympics, where she ran 51.46 to claim gold.
