The Browser Company's latest ad for its new AI browser, Dia, has sparked controversy over the way it showcases the technology's ability to remove human connection from everyday interactions. In the ad, CEO Josh Miller demonstrates how Dia's AI chatbot can send an email to his wife on his behalf, but the message comes across as cold and impersonal. This is not an isolated incident, as many tech companies have been struggling to promote AI in a way that doesn't highlight its potential to replace human interaction.

The Browser Company's ad is just one example of how AI is being used to automate tasks that were previously carried out by humans. While the technology is impressive, it raises concerns about the impact it could have on our relationships and daily lives. As the article points out, this is not the first time a tech company has inadvertently shown the darker side of AI. Google's ad earlier this year, which featured a father and daughter using AI to generate a fan letter, was pulled after facing backlash for automating a sweet and personal moment.

Apple's WWDC event this year also raised eyebrows when it demonstrated how its AI features could be used to identify a stranger's dog breed, rather than simply asking the owner. This kind of automation can make us feel like we're losing the human touch in our interactions. Even more extreme examples, such as the AI startup Friend's promotional video showing lonely young people using an AI device as a virtual companion, have sparked concerns about the potential consequences of relying too heavily on AI.

While some AI ads may feel dystopian, they do represent the ways people are actually using AI today. The most common use cases for AI are AI-generated art and AI companions, which can be valuable but also unsettling. The fact that AI is being used for tasks that are central to the human experience, such as art and companionship, is a reality that some find uncomfortable to acknowledge.

However, not all AI ads are sparking controversy. Many companies have resorted to painting AI as a magical, amorphous technology with no specific use case, implying that it can do almost anything. These ads often feel vague and inoffensive, but they don't really convey what AI can do or how it can be used. This approach may be a way for companies to avoid the uncomfortable truth about how AI is being used, but it's not providing a clear vision for the technology's potential.

The lack of clarity around AI's promise is a major issue. While some companies, like Zoom, have laid out a vision for AI that involves freeing up time for more creative pursuits, this message is not being widely adopted. The conflicting vision of AI as a job-replacing technology may be a reason why companies are shying away from promoting it as a tool for liberation. Ultimately, the status quo for AI ads is strange, and companies need to find a way to promote the technology in a way that doesn't highlight its potential to remove human connection.

The overarching promise of AI is still unclear, and it's up to tech companies to find a way to sell the technology in a way that doesn't feel like it's removing the very things that make us human. Until then, AI ads will continue to spark controversy and raise important questions about the impact of this technology on our lives.