Meta launched a new AI optimism ad set to a song about human extinction
Meta released an optimistic advertisement promoting AI, but the choice of David Bowie's 'Five Years' as the soundtrack has drawn criticism due to the song's lyrics about an impending apocalypse. The ad aims to counter negative narratives about AI, but the musical choice has been widely perceived as tone-deaf.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the disconnect between corporate marketing strategies and the cultural context of the media they utilize, particularly regarding sensitive topics like AI.
Meta’s newest advertisement begins with a black-and-white shot of an eye, showing us what someone sees as they read countless panicked headlines about how AI is going to take our jobs, isolate us, and spark a global crisis.
“Some people will have you believe AI is going to make us feel less connected. That it’s going to leave us behind,” a voiceover says. “We couldn’t disagree more.”
Suddenly, the video shifts to color, and shows a cycle of different people opening their eyes and smiling. Then, we see a couple dancing on a rooftop, pointing at a rainbow; a group of teens swimming in a lake; a child frolicking in a field; friends embracing after time apart.
“Call us optimists. Call us dreamers. Call us whatever the hell you want. But we’re betting on people, and we like those odds,” the voiceover says. “The future is for everyone.”
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