Whether we like it or not, AI is everywhere.
An increasing number of technologies are incorporating artificial intelligence. This can take the form of large language models powering customer support or AI programs being used to summarize the news stories of the day—even if they tend to get a lot of things wrong.
While there’s some excitement and promise around this technology, Americans are still largely reacting to the technology with skepticism. A Pew Research survey from earlier this year found that Americans are more concerned than excited by the growth of AI. Not only that, but as AI becomes more ubiquitous, people are asking for clear distinctions about what is and is not powered by AI.
Why are some people so reluctant to embrace AI? As TikTok user Hanna (@itshannavictoria) recently detailed on a recent trip to Wendy’s, it may just be because the technology simply doesn’t work yet.
What Went Wrong With This Wendy’s Order?
In a video with over 1.8 million views, Hanna shows herself talking to a drive-thru speaker at a Wendy’s location. The speaker has a note reading, “Avoid using the words ‘Um’ and ‘Uh’, as our Ai is still learning and will interupt. Thank you.”
Over the course of the video, Hanna attempts to place a simple order.
“Can I get a Dave’s double, please?” she starts. After rejecting the combo offer, she continues. “I only want the meat and the cheese. Nothing else.”
In response, the AI says, “Thank you. Please pull up to the next window.”
Frustrated, Hanna has to summon the AI back by yelling, “I’m not done!”
The rest of the order is able to be placed, though Hanna’s frustration throughout the whole experience is palpable.
“What a joke. I CANNOT, Al in the drive through. See you never, Wendys,” she writes in the overlay text.
Why Can’t AI Drive Thrus Get Things Right?
As large language models have gotten better, many food service chains have experimented with using artificial intelligence to take orders.
However, many of these experiments ended after businesses found that AI was simply not up to the task.
For example, McDonald’s rolled out its AI-ordering system to hundreds of locations. Consequently, videos began going viral of the system messing up relatively normal orders. In one case, a customer ordered two ice cream cones—to which the AI added bacon for no apparent reason. McDonald’s later removed its AI ordering system.
Something similar happened at Taco Bell. After debuting their system, customers quickly found ways to game it and mess with it. For example, it became a viral trend to go to Taco Bell and order thousands of free water cups.
Wendy’s is seemingly not deterred by these failures. In May 2025, the company announced its intention to expand its “Fresh AI” system, which is already in place in 160 locations nationwide.
@itshannavictoria So disappointed @Wendy’s, you were my favorite. I will never be back. #isupporthumans #humanity #AI #wendys #freshai
Commenters Are Annoyed
In the comments section, some users blamed Hanna for her poor experience. According to these commenters, her order was phrased in a way that she should have known would confuse the AI.
“‘All I want is’ followed by ‘I’m not done,’” said a commenter.
“You said nothing else at the end,” added another.
That said, other commenters countered that it should not be up to the customer to adapt to the robot. Additionally, these users claimed that customers should be rejecting AI use whenever possible.
“Refuse to order with AI,” declared a commenter. “Just say ‘I want to speak to a real person’ and refuse to say anything else until a real person speaks to you.”
“Im gonna ‘uh’ and ‘um’ every other word. then complain to corporate that i want a live person taking my order,” offered a second.
“So since they are replacing workers with AI are the prices gonna get cheaper?” asked an additional TikToker.
BroBible reached out to Wendy’s via email and Hanna via TikTok direct message and comment.