Chapter 1: The Current State of Facebook

It’s evident that Facebook is undergoing significant changes. The platform has traditionally catered to a diverse range of generations, yet it seems to struggle with transitioning its primarily Baby Boomer user base to newer technologies. For many in this age group, Facebook serves as a means to connect with both old and new friends, family members worldwide, and to stay updated on current events.

In contrast, Millennials and Gen Z are gravitating towards alternative platforms for their online engagement. As a Millennial born in 1986, I've enjoyed using Facebook over the years, but my preferences for content consumption are evolving. I find myself less interested in the incessant sharing of news articles—an activity that is particularly prevalent among Baby Boomers, who were encouraged to share information without discerning its validity.

Today, this practice appears outdated and often unhelpful. With smartphones sending us push notifications about breaking news, weather updates, and even the latest promotions from Starbucks, why would I log into Facebook to find the same news story repeated multiple times, each version offering little new insight? Moreover, the commentary often adds to the negativity that fills the feed.

Our generation seeks innovative and interactive methods for consuming information and spending our time. Scrolling through Facebook has become somewhat tedious, a sentiment echoed by many, including those from the older generation. The platform has transformed into a space dominated by negativity and heated debates. It's no wonder that millions are flocking to TikTok for entertaining cat videos. This platform allows us to engage with friends and family in more dynamic ways, fostering a sense of closeness through video rather than mere status updates or photos.

Let me clarify: this is not a critique of a single generation. It's a straightforward recognition that an entire generation has been raised with one primary way of interacting, and as that generation approaches retirement, adapting to new platforms becomes challenging. The metaverse, for example, may not appeal to them as it will to younger generations.

Ultimately, I believe Facebook will endure, particularly as it embarks on developing the metaverse. They are still in the early phases of this transition, and it's crucial to keep that in mind. The company is well-positioned to seize new growth opportunities, especially after selling record numbers of their popular Quest 2 headsets this past holiday season, which I also purchased.

While I am focusing on Facebook, I acknowledge that it operates under the larger umbrella of Meta. Do you think an entire generation will start calling it Meta? Meta's other platforms, like Instagram and WhatsApp, have also seen considerable success. Instagram thrives with its influencer culture, yet one must question if future generations will prefer influencers or lean towards more genuine content with less celebrity influence. This battle for authenticity is real and could challenge the platform down the line. Meta will need to collaborate with its creators to produce meaningful content rather than prioritizing instant likes and shares to attract advertisers.

In the long term, applications may become a relic as we transition into the metaverse. I wouldn't be surprised if the way we interact with Facebook and Instagram looks vastly different in the next decade, further solidifying Meta's position in the market.

Stay tuned. They might just make a remarkable comeback.

This video features Lykke Li's rendition of "I Will Survive," presenting a timeless classic with a fresh twist.

Chapter 2: The Future of Facebook and Business

A deep dive into whether Facebook remains relevant for businesses in 2024, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.