The Google Gemini AI commercial has sparked some debate and raised questions about the effectiveness of AI in certain contexts. The commercial starts with a father discussing his daughter’s admiration for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an Olympic gold medalist. The father then prompts Google’s Gemini AI to help his daughter write a letter to express her admiration for Sydney.
At first glance, it may seem like a practical use for generative AI, especially for individuals who struggle with writing. However, the concept of using AI to convey heartfelt inspiration seems to miss the mark. Instructing an AI to tell someone how inspiring they are does not effectively communicate genuine emotion. It reduces the personal connection and authenticity that a handwritten letter would have.
Novelist and Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast host Linda Holmes expressed her dissatisfaction with the concept, stating that while there may be special circumstances where AI assistance is necessary, relying on AI for something as personal as a fan letter is not ideal. She also raised an important point about the value of fan letters for children’s writing development. Writing a fan letter is an opportunity for children to practice their writing skills and learn how to express themselves.
As someone who occasionally receives complimentary messages as a tech blogger, I can relate to the preference for a brief, human-authored email over an AI-generated form letter. The personal touch and authenticity of a human-written message far outweigh the efficiency of an AI-generated response.
While the Google Gemini AI commercial may not be as drastic as Apple’s portrayal of cramming all of humanity’s achievements into an iPad, it does highlight some challenges in effectively pitching AI as a useful tool for everyday people. The use cases and messaging surrounding AI need to consider the importance of human connection, authenticity, and the opportunities for personal growth and development that can come from engaging in tasks like writing fan letters. AI can be a valuable tool, but it should complement and enhance human experiences rather than replace them entirely.
