UPDATE: Meta Platforms is undergoing a dramatic transformation under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, amidst a massive push into artificial intelligence (AI) and significant internal upheaval. Just this year, the company announced plans to invest $14 billion in AI training and has cut approximately 3,600 jobs as part of its intense restructuring strategy, emphasizing a shift towards “personal superintelligence.”
Zuckerberg warned employees to “buckle up” for an “intense” 2025, and he has meant it. Since January, the tech giant has accelerated its AI initiatives, reallocating resources and reshaping its workforce to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google. This aggressive strategy has led to a significant cultural shift within the company, with Zuckerberg celebrating an increase in what he describes as “masculine energy” in the workplace.
The drastic changes have not come without turmoil. Current and former employees report rising tensions stemming from management reforms, AI reorganizations, and layoffs that many felt were demoralizing. Some employees were labeled as “low performers,” amplifying frustrations in an already competitive environment.
In a recent internal survey, employee sentiment showed improvement, with 80% expressing optimism about the future, compared to 68% earlier this year. This shift could signal a potential recovery in morale after a challenging start to the year.
Meta’s AI overhaul has included the formation of the new Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), which has led to further job cuts and internal restructuring. The company faces scrutiny from investors concerned about its ambitious plans to funnel tens of billions into AI infrastructure. Shares of Meta have risen by 7.5% in 2025, but this performance lags behind the S&P 500 and other tech giants, leading analysts to question whether the company is overextending itself.
The turmoil within Meta’s ranks includes the departure of key personnel amid accusations of a lack of coherent strategy and ineffective communication. Former employee Joena Zhang described the atmosphere at MSL as chaotic, with “nobody really knew what anyone was doing” during the early stages of the rebranding.
As Meta continues to streamline its operations, the company has undergone four major reorganizations in just six months, aiming to bolster efficiency and expedite product development across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Despite this, the internal competition for resources and recognition has increased divisions within the workforce.
While some employees are thrumming with enthusiasm over the company’s focus on groundbreaking AI and wearables, others feel disillusioned. Departures have increased as employees struggle with the company’s evolving culture, which some claim no longer aligns with their values. Internal polls reveal a significant number of employees feel “extremely afraid” to voice concerns about workplace conditions.
Meta is betting heavily on AI as the future of tech, but the stakes are high. As the company navigates through this intense period of transformation, the implications for its workforce and long-term strategy remain to be seen.
As Meta continues to make bold moves, experts assert that it must clearly communicate its vision and demonstrate consistent growth to regain investor confidence. What happens next could shape the future of one of the tech industry’s giants.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
