I may fall on the wrong side of popular opinion and the wrong side of history here but here goes. Or maybe I’m on the wrong side of today but won’t be on the wrong side tomorrow?!?

Google launched a commercial during the Paris Olympics showcasing Gemini, its AI research and writing tool (my words), which featured a dad trying to help his daughter write a fan letter to an Olympic athlete. The ad show dad encouraging her to use AI to research and help her get started. Cute, endearing. Turns out, because of AI, perhaps a bit too cutting edge and controversial especially with a young person.

Note the words research and help. That’s all.

The commercial spot quickly met a lot of criticism so Google quickly decided to pull the ad. Note that the ad is still on YouTube, hence I was able to include it here. Take a look …

I can see both sides of the argument here, I can. But from my perspective, AI is a tool. A research tool and a writing tool. You still have to have a basic understanding of the topic you’re covering and you still have to have your own thinking in place regardless of how old you are. AI is not going to do that for you. In the spot, dad was trying to show that actually. So why not use it to improve what you are doing?!? Especially at an early age when you are learning your voice and the use of technology.

Admittedly I am biased. I teach a graduate level class at NYU and most of my students do not have English as their first language so I know they use AI to improve their research and writing skills. I am fine with that. Because I know that I am teaching them how to think in class in whatever language is their first. AI isn’t doing that for them. Nor do I care what language that is in nor do I care what tools they use to help them.

So if our children learn to use AI tools for research and learning, good on them. I may be in the minority right now, but I don’t think that will last for long.

Google I believe is just out in front and took some of the early heat, that’s all. A brand leader who may soon reverse their stance as it becomes more main stream.

Isn’t this in Google’s space anyway? Shouldn’t we allow them to do this and then if we choose not to participate then that’s our choice?

What’s your experience? JIM

Google Pulls AI Ad at the Olympics