By: Rebecca Sapakie, Media General National Desk
(WSLS 10) - Is all publicity, good publicity? That's the question as Nationwide Insurance is seeing an online backlash surrounding its Super Bowl ad titled "Make Safe Happen." The commercial shows a young boy playing and enjoying his neighborhood. You are then shocked when you learn the boy has actually died in a preventable accident.
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The ad goes on to say "The number one cause of childhood deaths is preventable accidents. At Nationwide, we believe in protecting what matters most, your kids. Together we can #MakeSafeHappen."
Following the depressing ad, Twitter erupted.
"The second I see a kid in one of these commercials I immediately assume they're going to die. Thanks, Nationwide!" Tweeted Patton Oswalt.
"A parade. Children, laughing. Two teenagers on a first date. Sorry, but the world actually perished in a senseless nuclear war. Nationwide," Tweeted Ezra Klein.
So, the question becomes, will all the talk actually lead to better brand recognition for Nationwide? That remains to be seen.
"So everyone hated the Nationwide commercial. Which means everyone will be taking about Nationwide. Which means Nationwide wins," Tweeted Seth Davis.