On this rainy Monday in Chapel Hill, I want to bring some positivity by sharing what I consider to be one of the best ads to date.

In my Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations class with Gary Kayye💜 CTS sophomore year, we watched all kinds of ads — happy, sad, funny, tragic, and everything in between. Through these examples, I began to realize just how powerful media is in shaping both our conscious and unconscious thoughts, subtly influencing our behavior without us even realizing it.

One ad that has stuck with me, and still stands out as one of the best, is Google’s "Loretta" from 2020. This ad left such a lasting impression on me with its ability to convey profound emotion and human connection.

What makes "Loretta" so powerful is how it evokes real emotion through a deeply personal story. It depicts an elderly man using Google Assistant to remember his late wife, Loretta. The ad focuses on the man's interactions with the technology as he reflects on their shared memories, highlighting universal themes of love, loss, and remembrance.

This ad shifted my perspective on what advertising can achieve. It showed me that the best ads don’t just push a product; they tell a story that taps into human emotion. By associating Google with warmth, nostalgia, and personal connection, "Loretta" builds a deeper bond with its audience. This made me realize the real power of media lies not just in driving sales but in shaping how we feel, what we value, and even how we behave.

As the advertising world shifts toward purpose-driven marketing, where brands focus on messages of social responsibility and authenticity, "Loretta" feels incredibly relevant. It demonstrates how advertising can transcend its commercial roots, promoting values like empathy, memory, and love in a way that resonates with viewers long after the ad ends.

In a world full of superficial content, this ad still stands out as a reminder that true emotion can break through the noise. It highlights how media, when done thoughtfully, can leave a lasting, positive impact on society — far beyond just selling a product.