Emails show Zuckerberg preferred following influencers on Insta, not FB
In a surprising revelation, emails used as evidence in the US Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg have shown that he is more inclined to follow creators and influencers on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) than on Facebook. The emails, dated 2022, highlight Zuckerberg’s concerns about the declining cultural relevance of Facebook, the platform he co-founded.
The FTC lawsuit, filed in December 2020, alleges that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has engaged in anticompetitive practices to maintain its dominance in the social media market. The emails used as evidence in the lawsuit provide a rare glimpse into Zuckerberg’s thoughts on the company’s social media platforms.
One email, sent in October 2022, reads: “It feels like [Facebook’s] cultural relevance is decreasing quickly.” This statement, attributed to Zuckerberg, suggests that he is aware of a decline in Facebook’s popularity and influence. The email also highlights the importance of Instagram and X in the company’s strategy, stating that they are “the most likely to grow our influence and reputation.”
The emails also reveal that Zuckerberg is more interested in engaging with influencers and creators on Instagram and X than on Facebook. This is evident from his comments on a post by popular social media influencer, Addison Rae, on Instagram. Zuckerberg wrote: “I love your content and think you’re doing a great job of staying authentic and true to your audience.” This comment, made in September 2022, suggests that Zuckerberg is actively monitoring and engaging with influencers on Instagram, while his focus on Facebook appears to be waning.
The shift in Zuckerberg’s focus towards Instagram and X is not surprising, given the platforms’ growing popularity among younger generations. Instagram, in particular, has become a hub for influencers and creators, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. X, the rebranded Twitter, has also attracted a significant following, especially among younger users.
The FTC lawsuit is not the first time that Meta has faced scrutiny over its social media platforms. In 2020, the company faced criticism over its handling of misinformation and disinformation on Facebook, leading to calls for greater regulation of the platform. The lawsuit is a major blow to Meta’s reputation, as it accuses the company of using anticompetitive practices to stifle competition and maintain its dominance in the social media market.
The emails used as evidence in the lawsuit raise questions about Meta’s priorities and whether the company is prioritizing its own interests over those of its users. The decline in Facebook’s cultural relevance, as mentioned in the emails, is a significant concern, as it suggests that the platform is losing its influence and is no longer a go-to destination for users.
In conclusion, the emails used as evidence in the FTC lawsuit against Meta have revealed that Mark Zuckerberg is more inclined to follow influencers and creators on Instagram and X than on Facebook. This shift in focus reflects the changing landscape of social media, with platforms like Instagram and X gaining popularity among younger generations. The lawsuit is a significant blow to Meta’s reputation, and the company will need to address the concerns raised by the FTC in order to maintain its dominance in the social media market.
