Has AI Gone Too Far?

Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney found herself in an awkward spotlight at Samsung’s tech conference in Paris on Wednesday. Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, attended the event to promote Samsung’s latest AI image generator. However, the demonstration took an unexpected turn, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

During the presentation, Samsung marketing executive Annika Bizon invited Sweeney to participate in a demo featuring the company’s new AI technology, designed to transform users’ faces into cartoonish 3D renders. The camera cut to Sweeney in the audience, who responded with a nervous “Hiii, I’m over here.”

Bizon then unveiled a low-effort “3D image” of Sweeney, which barely resembled her. Despite the less-than-flattering result, Sweeney attempted to maintain her composure. “Awww, I love it!” she exclaimed, though her expression suggested otherwise. “It’s amazing you can take an image like this.”

The reaction from the public was swift and critical. Social media users on platforms like X-formerly-Twitter were quick to point out Sweeney’s apparent discomfort. Comments ranged from “That didn’t seem very genuine, lol,” to “Look at her face bro she hates it.” Some users speculated that Sweeney was fulfilling old sponsorship obligations, while others expressed sympathy for her predicament.

“You can tell Sydney Sweeney signed a bunch of dumb sponsor contracts when she was less famous so now she’s stuck pretending AI is super cool,” one user tweeted. Another added, “She is visibly uncomfortable.”

Samsung promoted the AI feature as a way to “reimagine your portraits,” allowing users to choose from various artistic styles. However, the demonstration has raised questions about the relevance and appeal of such technology in an age where AI capabilities have advanced far beyond simple image transformations.

This incident highlights the tech industry’s ongoing fascination with AI and the lengths companies will go to market their innovations. It also underscores the potential pitfalls for celebrities who find themselves navigating the complex world of tech endorsements.