Coca-Cola’s latest attempt to merge tradition with technology has sparked widespread criticism. Many have branded its AI-generated Christmas commercial a “creepy dystopian nightmare.”

The 15-second advert, created using Coca-Cola’s proprietary “Real Magic AI” software, revisits the brand’s iconic 1995 “Holidays Are Coming” campaign. It features cherry-red Coca-Cola trucks driving through a snowy, festively lit town, delivering bottles of soda. However, what was intended to inspire nostalgia has left viewers feeling uneasy.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with disapproval. “The world is so over if the Christmas Coca-Cola advert is made with AI,” lamented one user on X, as reported by The Independent. Another comment on YouTube was, “Sad to see this was made with an AI-generated program.” Critics are accusing Coca-Cola of sacrificing creativity and emotion for efficiency, with one viewer writing, “I feel like I’m watching the death of art and our planet unfold in front of my eyes.”

Jason Zada, founder of the AI studio Secret Level, defended the process, asserting that AI-generated content still requires human involvement to infuse the necessary “warmth.” Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola’s vice president and global head of generative AI, echoed this sentiment, describing the campaign as a blend of the company’s heritage with cutting-edge technology.

“It’s not just about cost savings; it’s about speed,” Thakar told AdAge. “Production time is five times faster with AI, which allows us to create more variety and personalization.” He argued that AI offers brands a way to scale creativity in a resource-efficient manner.

Despite these assurances, many viewers feel that the new ad lacks the emotional depth and craftsmanship that defined Coca-Cola’s previous holiday campaigns. While the brand’s original Christmas commercials evoked feelings of warmth and togetherness, the AI-generated version has been criticized as “soulless” and “lazy.”

From a faith-based perspective, the backlash highlights a broader cultural concern: the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in creative spaces traditionally rooted in human connection and artistry. As Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ and the hope and joy He brings, many feel that the shift toward AI-generated content dilutes the true spirit of the season.

While Coca-Cola’s experiment with AI reflects a push toward innovation, it raises an important question: Can machines ever truly replicate the human heart behind holiday traditions? For Christians, this discussion serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping Christ—and the love, creativity, and connection He inspires—at the center of Christmas celebrations.