Despite Criticisms, Coca-cola Stood Pat On Their AI Commercial

The AI-generated commercial of Coca-Cola received a few criticisms as the company attempted to evoke feelings of Christmas spirit and nostalgia.

According to The New York Post, the soft drink giant collaborated with three artificial intelligence studios to produce advertisements that pay tribute to its 1995 "Holidays Are Coming" campaign. The clips feature furry animals and Coca-Cola's iconic red caravans delivering bottles of soda to snowy towns adorned with Christmas decorations.

These modern takes on the classic commercial have received some public backlash, with a few critics calling them "soulless" and noting the irony of the "Real Magic" tagline at the end of the videos. Others argued that the company cut corners by using AI instead of hiring actors or animators, sacrificing quality for time and money.

"The world is so over if the Christmas Coca-Cola advert is made with AI," someone posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Coca Cola’s annual Christmas commercial has been created with AI this time. pic.twitter.com/xO72akwoBh

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 15, 2024

Coca-cola stood steadfast, though. It assures everyone that they will continue to use AI, stating that it "remains dedicated to creating the highest level of work at the intersection of human creativity and technology."

"The Coca-Cola Company has celebrated a long history of capturing the magic of the holidays in content, film, events, and retail activations for decades around the globe," a spokesperson told The New York Times. "We are always exploring new ways to connect with consumers and experiment with different approaches."

For all of its faults, AI has played a role in a greener future, aiding in conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices.

Nonetheless, researchers will need to continue to develop solutions, such as simplified algorithms and energy-efficient cooling systems, before AI can help offset its steep environmental costs.