I sometimes wonder if future archaeologists will excavate the objects of our present world and be utterly puzzled and disturbed by them. What is this glowing helmet — some sort of protection device, maybe military equipment for battle? Oops, no, it’s a red-light mask that people in 2026 used to get … better skin. Huh. This is more or less the concept behind our magazine’s new “I Did It” column, which examines various popular goods and services with a historian’s eye and a critic’s magnifying glass. How does our consumerism shed light on our culture, and vice versa? What desires and anxieties can be gleaned from the stuff we are making and coveting and buying right now? The goal is not to write product reviews or trend pieces, nor is it to finger-wag at people who are passionate about specific purchases. Instead we want to investigate the bigger libidinal forces behind consumer behavior and material goods — by directly trying out the products themselves. Last month, Sam Anderson donned A.I. sunglasses; this week, I tried out the pummeling, painful, perversely satisfying experience of lymphatic drainage massage. Stay in touch: Like this email? Forward it to a friend and help us grow. Loved a story? Hated it? Write us a letter at magazine@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here to get the magazine newsletter.
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