Mark Zuckerberg has an image problem - so why is Meta's business booming?
Despite facing significant public backlash and legal scrutiny over the impact of its products on young users, Meta continues to see business growth. Mark Zuckerberg is pivoting the company's focus toward AI-driven hardware and software, largely ignoring his social media platforms during recent product presentations.
Why it matters
It illustrates the disconnect between corporate reputation and financial performance in the modern tech industry.
Mark Zuckerberg has an image problem - so why is Meta's business booming?
Image source, CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images / CTMG, Inc./Leah Gal By Lily Jamali North America Technology correspondent Mark Zuckerberg was just three minutes into his keynote speech at the company's annual Meta Connect product event last month when his tone turned almost wistful.
"Building is an act of love," he said, glancing down at the ground with his hands in his pockets. "It's how we impart what we believe, and we pour our hearts and our souls into what we make."
Speaking to hundreds of analysts and developers, Zuckerberg proceeded to share news about Meta's latest AI products: its new agentic chatbot Muse, a slew of smart glasses, as well as a Tamagotchi-like AI gadget users can attach to their wrists.
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