Meta becomes the new name for Facebook: A rebranding decision

In a bid to shift focus from its controversial social network, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday that the company will now be known as “Meta”. This rebranding reflects the company’s dedication to future technologies, particularly its “metaverse” project.

The metaverse project aims to create an immersive virtual reality world that combines social media, video calls, gaming, entertainment, and remote working. Zuckerberg stated, “From now on we are going to be metaverse-first, not Facebook first… I hope people around the world will come to know the Meta brand.” He envisions the metaverse as the successor to the mobile internet.

As part of the reorganization, Facebook will become an overarching entity called “Meta”. The Facebook app and Instagram will be separated from its developing metaverse technology. Zuckerberg also revealed that consumers will no longer need a Facebook account to access Meta’s products. This represents a significant departure from the platform that has made him one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and propelled Facebook to a value of nearly $1 trillion.

However, some critics argue that the rebranding is an attempt to divert attention from issues like hate speech and disinformation that plague Facebook, and focus on future products that may take years to materialize. Leaked documents have shed light on Facebook’s knowledge of online harms, particularly their effects on teenage mental health. During a hearing in Westminster, MPs accused the company of losing its moral compass in pursuit of profit.

Zuckerberg’s vision for Meta encompasses a world where users can engage with the internet in completely immersive ways. Instead of simply viewing a screen, users will be fully immersed in these experiences.