The Paris 2024Olympic Games have not disappointed. However, given the magnitude of such a stage, controversy was bound to take place. SNL star Rob Schneider boycotted the Olympics following the opening ceremony, while Celine Dion's salary for her one song at the games caused more confusion than clarity.
In addition, Google saw one of its commercials get banned. It was meant to be a feel good story, but the reaction in the end was the complete opposite. Given the backlash, Google decided to remove its ad. It can still be found on YouTube. Though wisely, Google decided to turn off comments.
Let's take a closer look at the commercial in question, and how fans reacted.
Google Pulled Their Team USA Commercial That Promoted AI – YouTube Comments Are Also Disabled Given The Backlash
Google was under fire over what was an attempt at a feel good commercial. Those emotions were completely lost after Google linked AI in the ad. The commercial sees a child using a tool with her dad to write a letter to an Olympian. According to CNBC, the commercial was pulled off the air due to the backlash it received for sending children the wrong message.
Titled “Dear Sydney,” the commercial was an attempt for Google to launch Gemini, following the success of ChatGPT and OpenAI.
A spokesperson for Google did issue a comment, stating that the ad actually tested well prior to being released. "While the ad tested well before airing, given the feedback, we have decided to phase the ad out of our Olympics rotation.”
The commercial was pulled down on YouTube, but comments were disabled given the backlash.
Although fans weren't able to react on YouTube, there was plenty of feedback on Reddit. For the most part, fans didn't like the ad and agreed with Google's decision to take it down.
Fans wrote:
- "I didn't like this one, either. Kids need to learn how to write correspondence. It's a fundamental part of literacy. The fictitious daughter would have learned something by telling her dad what she wanted to say, or how she felt, then the dad could help her build the letter. If you have Gemini do it, other than having the model that is created (assuming it is a good one), you learn nothing."
- "At this point their lack of awareness of what's actually worth a damn in this world is just outright sociopathic."
- "The best letters I've received from kids are written with crayons. They demonstrate appreciation, curiosity, learning, and determination. I've had a few letters that were coached. I value these less. AI? How artificial is that?"
Clearly not the outcome Google was looking for with the ad…
Simone Biles Is Sending A Different Message To Younger Viewers That Appears To Be More Effective
Simone Biles isn't looking at AI for her success, instead she's using EI, emotional intelligence. According to Simone Biles, a massive key towards her success deals with limiting social media. This has proved to be a secret weapon for one of the greatest athletes in the world.
Granted, Biles still keeps active on TikTok and Instagram, she does limit her usage on both platforms, which sends a great message to the younger generation.
Biles admits social media skewed her perception in the past. She recalled thinking what X users thought of her after failing to complete the vault.
"As soon as I landed [my vault], I was like, 'Oh, America hates me,'" she explained. "'The world is going to hate me. And I can only see what they're saying on Twitter right now.' That was my first thought."
Biles has been a huge advocate for mental health, and also encourages others to seek therapy if needed. “I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case. And that’s not something you should feel guilty or ashamed of. Once I got over that fact, I actually enjoyed it and looked forward to going to therapy. It’s a safe space," she tells Turnbridge.
