Walmart's ai-generated ad sparks online backlash over its tap-to-pay rollout

Walmart has launched tap-to-pay technology, but the AI-generated ad promoting the feature has drawn widespread criticism on social media. A photo shared on X shows an in-store display with a 'Fast! Easy!' message and images of a smartphone and payment terminal. However, the terminal's keypad features distorted symbols and two 7s, sparking comparisons to AI-generated 'slop.' Users criticized the ad, with one commenting, 'AI is so scary it’s like the words you read in your dreams where it doesn’t actually say anything.' Others expressed frustration that a major retailer would use AI for basic marketing, with one user stating, 'I despise AI generated advertisements for businesses.' The ad has also raised questions about Walmart's delayed adoption of tap-to-pay, which is already common at other retailers. One user questioned, 'Why is the USA’s payment system still stuck in the last century?' While the rollout is seen as a step toward convenience, some customers may simply want to avoid pressing the second 7.