For 17 years, Facebook has been one of the most known social media platforms in the world. In the wake of Facebook’s recent rebranding, many are left to wonder the effect of this, especially what Meta means for new generations.
Meta was specifically established by the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg claimed that starting over with the name “Meta” was the best way to branch out of the product name Facebook so that it is more than social media and no longer called outdated.
The rebranding was announced late October in a founders letter by Facebook.
“Our role in this journey is to accelerate the development of the fundamental technologies, social platforms and creative tools to bring the Metaverse to life, and to weave these technologies through our social media apps,” Zuckerberg stated in his Founders Letter, 2021.
“We believe the Metaverse can enable better social experiences than anything that exists today, and we will dedicate our energy to helping achieve its potential”, they added.
Meta is not exclusive to just Facebook, it includes a wider variety of social media platforms, including Instagram and Whatsapp. The brand change, however, will not impact the underlying features of these social networks.
A big factor mentioned throughout the establishment of Meta is privacy. Facebook received multiple allegations of privacy invasion throughout the years.
Zuckerberg recently addressed the complaints with an ultimatum for Facebook’s branding, including the option to control information Meta receives regarding user activity on apps and websites, among other security features.
Meta brings together apps and technologies under a single company brand.
“Privacy and safety need to be built into the Metaverse from day one. So do open standards and interoperability. This will require not just novel technical work — like supporting crypto and NFT projects in the community — but also new forms of governance,” Zuckerberg continued.
The Facebook CEO kicked off the massive product presentation by promising a slew of new social, gaming, and workplace advancements in the Metaverse, an open virtual space for online collaboration.
With a series of concept videos, Facebook showcased its vision for the Metaverse, including a holographic representation of users, virtual meeting tables with remote colleagues, and immersive games with friends.
Facebook recently announced that it would hire 10,000 employees across Europe to assist in the development of the concept.
In addition, he said that Messenger calling will be available in virtual reality, as well as plans to launch a virtual marketplace where developers can sell products through the platform. A redesigned home page in Oculus Quest is among the latest features of Meta to make the virtual world more conversational and social.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, and I’m excited about what comes next […] It is a future that is beyond any one company and that will be made by all of us.”
