The AI Marketing Backlash: Why 'AI-First' Brands Are Starting to Fall Flat

Consumers are increasingly rejecting AI-generated marketing as brands prioritize automation over emotional resonance. While AI improves back-end personalization and production efficiency, overt use in creative storytelling—exemplified by Coca-Cola's 2024 and 2025 holiday campaigns—triggers consumer backlash due to recognizable visual artifacts and perceived lack of authenticity.