Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms (META), has recently been in the spotlight, facing criticism for multiple decisions, including ending Facebook’s fact-checking policy and replacing it with a system akin to X’s Community Notes from Elon Musk’s era. His attendance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration also drew strong backlash, leading to a surge in Google searches on how to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts.
Layoffs and the ‘Low Performers’ Controversy
In mid-January 2025, Meta announced a restructuring that involved significant job cuts. While tech layoffs were common in 2024, Meta’s approach sparked controversy due to the way it labeled affected employees as “low performers.” In an internal memo, Zuckerberg stated, “I’ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low performers faster.” This has led to public criticism, with former employees arguing the layoffs were more about shifting focus to artificial intelligence (AI) than actual performance issues.
Voices from Laid-Off Employees
Several impacted Meta staffers have challenged the “low performers” label. Kaila Curry, a former Meta Content Manager, stated on LinkedIn, “This wasn’t about performance; it was about workforce reduction in favor of AI initiatives,” adding that she had received an “exceeds expectations” rating in her mid-year review. Rebecca Cassity, another former employee, echoed similar sentiments, revealing she had also received a positive performance evaluation before being laid off.
Criticism and Digital Backlash
Meta’s decisions have drawn widespread criticism on social media platforms. The backlash intensified when Zuckerberg’s policy changes were perceived as favoring AI over human oversight and protection, particularly concerning content moderation and community safety. The public response has called into question the authenticity of Meta’s rationale behind the layoffs and restructuring efforts.
Impact on Meta’s Public Image
These controversies are affecting Meta’s public image and employee morale. As Meta continues to prioritize AI initiatives, the company faces challenges in maintaining its workforce’s trust and upholding its reputation among users and stakeholders.
