“Teamwork, but do it 1776.” So begins a new ad for Google Workspacethat has sparked heated debate and discussion. The clip imagines what it would have been like if the founding fathers of the United States had turned to Google’s collaboration tools and Gemini to help them draft the Declaration of Independence. The idea, while seemingly humorous, has raised serious questions about the use of AI in historical and political contexts.
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In the ad, Ben Franklin texts Thomas Jefferson to check on the status of a draft. Jefferson takes a photo and uses AI to transcribe it into a Google Doc. Franklin and Adams then join in to make corrections in a suggestion mode, while Gemini finds them a meeting time and takes notes during a Google Meet call. Additionally, Nano Banana creates a United States stamp featuring a turkey, a choice that likely reflects a more honest approach, rather than the traditional eagle.
The final scene before the fireworks start involves the founders asking Gemini for its advice on whether they should give King George III access to edit the Declaration of Independence. This scene is designed to elicit laughter, but for many Americans, regardless of political affiliation, the idea may seem inappropriate and make them want to throw their phones out the window.
Google's ad has sparked backlash, with many arguing that the use of artificial intelligence in such a historic and important event as the Declaration of Independence is inappropriate and belittles the importance of human effort and collaboration. Critics argue that artificial intelligence, while useful in many areas, cannot replace human judgment and creativity, especially in matters involving politics and history.
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CUNY history professor Angus Johnstonexpressed his view in Bluesky, saying that “even in a ridiculously fictional joke, it is impossible to argue that artificial intelligence is a useful tool for political organizing, writing, or human collaboration.” This statement reflects a broader concern about overreliance on technology and the potential degradation of human participation in important processes.
Additionally, the ad raises questions about the ethical use of artificial intelligence and how it can affect our understanding of history and politics. The idea that the founding fathers of the United States could rely on artificial intelligence tools to draft such an important document as the Declaration of Independence is seen by many as an affront to their historical legacy and the human capacity for innovation and change.
The debate surrounding this ad is indicative of broader concerns about artificial intelligence and its role in society. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to consider how it can be used responsibly and ensure that it does not replace human creativity and judgment.
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Google, as a technology leader, has the power to shape the future of artificial intelligence. However, with that power comes the responsibility to ensure that its technologies are used in ways that advance human well-being and do not undermine the core values of our society. This ad can serve as a reminder of the need for careful thought and dialogue about how artificial intelligence is embedded in our daily lives and our historical narratives.
