How an OpenAI influencer trip backfired

<figure> <img alt="Chat GPT logo on a graphic green background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/STK155_OPEN_AI_4_CVirginia_B.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The brand trip is a right of passage for influencers. It's a mark of legitimacy that a sponsor wants to invite them on an all-expenses-paid vacation, often with luxurious freebies and activities. Trips can also spur hard feelings from uninvited influencers, trigger criticism from the public, and project a certain frivolousness. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Usually it is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/30/23779058/shein-influencer-trip-backlash-ads-forced-labor">fast fashion companies</a> or <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2023/05/why-black-women-creators-are-accusing-tarte-of-mistreatment.html">beauty brands</a> flying out influencers with the goal of flooding social media with sponsored content. This time, it was a major AI company.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the weekend, several influencers began posting about OpenAI's "first ever brand trip," which appears to have taken place outside of N …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/975173/openai-influencers-brand-trip-ai-backlash-marketing">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>