Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Google commercial, explained: Why AI letter ad is upsetting Olympic viewers

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.

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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.

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:

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.