Taylor Swift’s ‘Showgirl’ Scavenger Hunt Sparks AI Backlash

[madmax]

As part of the launch for her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift sent fans on a global scavenger hunt — only for some to question whether parts of it were AI-generated.

The game, launched via Google Search, prompted fans to find 12 virtual doors hidden across cities worldwide. Scanning QR codes unlocked mystery videos containing clues to a final lyric reveal for “The Fate of Ophelia.”

When fans collectively “knocked” 12 million times on the final orange door, the video premiered on YouTube, which secured the album’s exclusive lyric video rollout.

Despite fan excitement, the AI-like appearance of the visuals drew criticism online — reflecting growing unease over generative content in major pop promotions.

[Nahid10]

The AI debate never ends — even pop culture can’t escape it now.

[EmTeam]

Fans are divided but it’s wild how quickly AI crosses into entertainment.