Super Bowl Ads Aim to Sway Americans' Skepticism About AI

Companies like Google, OpenAI, and Meta spend millions on commercials to win over an AI-doubting public

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As Americans grow increasingly wary of artificial intelligence, companies are spending over $1.7 billion on AI-related advertising, including high-profile Super Bowl commercials. Experts analyze the messaging tactics used in these ads, which aim to present AI as a tool that can improve people's lives and create jobs, despite public concerns about the technology's impact.

Why it matters

The AI industry faces a major challenge in winning over an American public that is increasingly skeptical about the technology. These Super Bowl ads represent a high-stakes marketing push to change public perception and become more deeply integrated into American life, despite growing political efforts to restrict the industry.

The details

Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, and Google are airing AI-focused ads during the Super Bowl, the biggest annual TV event in the U.S. The ads tout how AI can help with tasks like home decorating, dating, and job creation. However, advertising experts say the industry faces an uphill battle, as Americans are "not rooting for AI" and have growing concerns about its potential downsides. The ads are seen as an effort at "reputation management" for an industry facing increasing scrutiny and calls for regulation.

  • The Super Bowl will air on February 12, 2023.
  • Companies spent over $1.7 billion on AI-related advertising in 2022.

The players

OpenAI

The company that created the ChatGPT chatbot, which is planning its second Super Bowl TV commercial.

Anthropic

The company that offers the Claude chatbot, which will air an ad mocking ChatGPT.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook, which has aired ads touting the job-creating potential of its AI data centers.

Google

The tech giant, which will air a commercial for its Gemini chatbot that focuses on emotional connections rather than practical capabilities.

Eric Wilson

A Republican digital strategist who advises that "the reason they're having to advertise is reputation management because people are nervous" about AI.

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What they’re saying

“The next era of AI marketing will not be won by showing what machines can do, but by clarifying what humans still own.”

— Angeli Gianchandani, New York University adjunct professor specializing in brand strategy and communications (The Washington Post)

“Advertising works because human beings are fundamentally irrational creatures.”

— Joe Burns, Head of strategy at the advertising agency Quality Meats Creative (The Washington Post)

“A war has started.”

— Sandy Greenberg, Co-founder and CEO of advertising agency Terri & Sandy (The Washington Post)

“People are not rooting for AI. It's going to be more likely that your ads can be polarizing just by the nature of you're on a topic that people hate.”

— Sandy Greenberg, Co-founder and CEO of advertising agency Terri & Sandy (The Washington Post)

“The answer since the dawn of marketing and advertising is no.”

— Allen Adamson, Brand strategist and co-founder of marketing firm Metaforce (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.