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Coca-Cola has always focused on ‘real’ in its advertising. Just a look at the soft drink giant’s past slogans bear this out: It’s the Real Thing, You Can’t Beat the Real Thing, Make it Real, Real Magic. Apparently, that doesn’t extend to it’s latest holiday commercial – it’s completely AI generated. That has many angry soda pop fans saying the AI ad is soda slop.

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Here’s the controversial ad. (WATCH)

Can’t do a real comparison without seeing the original.

Here’s the classic 1995 Coca-Cola holiday ad. (WATCH)

That original ad is a thing of beauty, Christmas magic and warm feelings. Critics say the new version is creepy, cold and lacks humanity.

Drink in these replies.

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The AI turn is even more concerning when you consider Coca-Cola’s rich advertising history. Marketing textbooks have entire chapters devoted to Coke’s ad creativity and dominance. AI may be a technological step forward, but many say in practice it feels like a step back. Maybe Coke should stick to what’s worked so well in the past.

It seems like years since a commercial actually moved people emotionally. Nostalgia or older ways of commerical making might be the way to go until AI vastly improves. Sadly, it look like money may be calling the shots.

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Coca-Cola sees a significant boost in soft drink sales over the holidays. That’s thanks in part to its memorable Christmas ads. But, that’s now in jeopardy with consumers saying the lastest ad is creepy, ugly, horrific and bizarre. Maybe Coke will get the message and just play the beloved 1995 ad instead.