This week on The Deep Dive: How TikTok may have killed the influencer brand trip, the story of a little red fridge that could, Michael Jordan’s influence is so strong it can void legal contracts, Hairspray cured racism through dancing and then we never had any problems ever again, and the natural diamond industry wants you to think lab diamonds aren’t good enough for engagement rings.

Don't forget to check out all the newsletter-recommended video essays to date in The Deep Dive’s YouTube playlist!

SOCIAL MEDIA

why do brands keep doing these crazy influencer trips?? by Mina Le (36:01)

Once seen as a coveted opportunity for content creators at the pinnacle of their careers, the influencer brand trip is starting to feel outdated these days. In the past year, the Tarte Dubai and Shein influencer trips could mark two of the final nails in the controversial trend’s coffin. In this video, Mina Le explores the rise and fall of brand trips, from the fallout of 2019’s Dotechella to Shein’s clearly staged “factories.” In what ways do brands still benefit from influencer trips? How did TikTok change the way we see them? And why do creators from marginalized groups often have no choice but to accept opportunities from exploitative fast fashion brands?

TECHNOLOGY

This goofy fridge has a really clever design. It's also kinda terrible. by Technology Connections (1:03:32)

You know how chicken is such a ubiquitous food that when people try other obscure meats, “it tastes like chicken” has become the expected cliché reaction? While watching this video, a similar question came to mind: Have I watched so many video essays that I’m starting to think any video ever is a video essay? Jury’s still out. Either way, this is a fascinating watch. In this video, Technology Connections investigates a trendy retro fridge’s clever design, as well as its ability to do fridge things properly (like, you know, stay cold?). The results are concerning, but how can they be improved? And since when did I become so invested in fridge design and appropriate cooling temperatures?