Julia McDowell’s Post

This is an article that I think is well worth reading and considering. What do we do when huge companies suggest that AI knows how to express our feelings in words with family members better than we do?

Why make an authentic moment between a father and daughter so AI-driven? There are so many other ways to advertise AI technology, but this isn't it. https://lnkd.in/gCizTmX6

I actively encourage my team to leverage AI to simplify their work. Need to work on a first draft of a release, write a quick internal email, run a document through spelling and grammar check or map out a program recap? Why not leverage AI tools to get the job done faster and more efficiently? But, Google’s “Dear Sydney” ad takes it a hair too far. It’s reminiscent of Apple’s controversial ad for the iPad that featured a gigantic hydraulic press smashing musical instruments, cameras, books, paints and a typewriter into the latest, thinnest iPad Pro - literally and figuratively “crushing” human creativity. As a mom and a lover of the written word, I shudder to imagine a world where our kids can’t do something as simple as write a letter to their idol in their own words. Not to wax philosophical, but man’s ability to express oneself with intention, beauty and a bit of flair is something that should be held as sacrosanct. We shouldn’t accept as inevitable the commodification of every form of communication and we shouldn’t rob ourselves (and the world) of the creative expression that only flesh and blood can bring to life. #AI #communications #momsoflinkedin

So, Google just pulled an Olympics ad that showed a little girl using AI to write a letter. Yes, you read that right - AI writing a child’s fan letter. And guess what? People hated it. In a world where AI is creeping into every corner of our lives, from our workspaces to our living rooms, have we reached a point where we’re willing to let a machine speak for our children? 🤖✍️ This isn’t just about an ad. It’s about a disturbing trend where technology isn’t just enhancing our abilities but replacing the very essence of what makes us human - our creativity, our emotions, our authenticity. Think about it. Would you want an AI to write your child’s first love letter? Or a heartfelt note to a friend? The outcry over Google’s ad is a clear signal that we’re not ready to hand over the reins of our most personal expressions to a machine. But here’s the kicker: Google thought this was okay. They defended it, claiming it was just a "starting point." A starting point for what? The end of genuine human connection? Let’s not lose sight of what really matters in this tech-driven world. We should be asking ourselves - are we using AI as a tool, or are we letting it redefine our humanity? 💬 What do YOU think? Is AI crossing the line, or are we just overreacting? #AI #Creativity #Humanity #TechEthics

Did you know that even tech giants like Google can slip up with their AI ads? 🤯 Imagine tuning in to the Olympics, only to be irked by a commercial highlighting poorly worded prompts to a generative AI tool. Not quite the entertainment you signed up for, right? You won't believe this: Google's AI ad was so off-putting that they had to pull it! 😬 Here’s a quick rundown of what happened: - Viewers felt misled by the ad’s message. - The commercial suggested that casual, poorly-framed prompts could still yield meaningful AI responses, which isn't always true. - Expert Shelly Palmer from Syracuse University pointed out the dangers of such misconceptions. The takeaway? Context and clarity are crucial when dealing with AI. One wrong move, and even the best tech can leave users frustrated. Curious to delve deeper into this controversy? Dive into the full story here: [Read More](https://lnkd.in/gbvick4K) What's your take on AI ads? Hit the comments and share your thoughts! 💬 🚀 Exploring the world of AI? Let’s chat about how custom AI solutions can benefit your business. Reach out today! 👇

This is another case of tech companies pushing AI where no one asked for it. Instead of asking "can AI be used here?" companies should be asking "do our customers want AI here?" and "should AI be doing this?" Tech companies would benefit from asking their customers what they want AI to do, or whether they want it at all. https://lnkd.in/eGzZaJhr

🌟 Why People are Mad at Google’s New AI Ad 🤔 🌟 Google’s latest ad, "Dear Sydney," has stirred up quite the conversation. It showcases their Gemini AI, but the response wasn’t all positive. Let's dive into what happened and what we can learn. 💡 What is the 'Dear Sydney' Ad About? The ad tells the story of a dad using Google’s AI to help his daughter write a letter to her idol, Olympic star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Instead of a heartwarming moment, many saw it as a step too far into replacing human effort with AI. 💡 Key Lessons for Marketers Lesson 1: Know Your Audience The ad aimed to show AI as helpful, but many felt it took away from a genuine human connection. Always consider how your audience might interpret your message. Lesson 2: Balance Tech with Humanity Technology should enhance, not replace, our human experiences. Think about how to use AI to support rather than overshadow human interaction. Lesson 3: Be Prepared for Reactions The backlash was significant enough for Google to turn off YouTube comments. Anticipate possible negative feedback and have a plan to address it. 🔍 The Big Picture This ad reminds us of the broader conversation about AI’s role in our lives. As marketers, it's our job to navigate these changes thoughtfully and ethically. ✨ A Personal Note I appreciate Google's continuous efforts to innovate and push boundaries. Their work with AI is truly groundbreaking, and while not every campaign hits the mark, it's a learning experience for all of us. I love what they do and look forward to seeing how they evolve. 📢 Call to Action Have you seen Google’s "Dear Sydney" ad? What do you think about AI in marketing? Share your thoughts in the comments! #Google #AI #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #HumanConnection #Innovation

One interesting area in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is how ‘learning’ is handled. We all learn by failing often and usually not being very good when we tackle a new skill. How do we still go through that phase to improve our skillset when AI can perform the skill we are trying to master better and faster than we can? I’m sure teachers can already tell you a thing or two about this conundrum. #ai #artificialintelligence #learning #education #communication #skills https://lnkd.in/erdMdqy6

🏅 **Google's Olympics Ad Pulled Amid AI Concerns** 🏅 Google found itself in hot water over a recent ad for the upcoming Olympics, leading to a swift and unexpected withdrawal of the campaign. 🛑 The ad featured a scenario where artificial intelligence (AI) was used to write a heartfelt letter for a little girl – a portrayal that many found unsettling rather than inspirational. Critics quickly sprang into action, arguing that the ad depicted a dystopian future where algorithms replace human connection and creativity. 📉 Rather than celebrating the capabilities of technology, the ad inadvertently highlighted fears that AI could invade personal moments and sentimental expressions, stripping them of their emotional value. 🎥 The scene was supposed to illustrate the seamless integration of AI into everyday life. However, viewers saw a chilling narrative where meaningful human interactions were outsourced to machines, raising ethical questions about the role of AI in our private lives. 💭 The move to pull the ad underscores a growing sensitivity around AI's portrayal in media and advertising. 🌐 As AI continues to advance, companies must tread carefully to balance innovation with the preservation of human warmth and individuality. 📢 Google responded rapidly to the backlash, removing the ad and promising to reconsider how AI is framed in future campaigns. It’s a reminder that while technology can drive us forward, it must be woven into our lives in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, our humanity. For more details, check out the original article: [CNN](https://lnkd.in/g9H5iq9G

AI has revolutionized our approach to analyzing YouTube ads, helping us distill over 8000 YouTube Ads for the last 6 months. For the latest insights into YouTube ads, click the link below. Happy reading 😁 P.S. I don't want to spill the beans so please click the link below and let me know your favourite insight. [Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gCu5AgRW]