Zuckerberg’s Bold Facebook Idea: Mass Unfriending?

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered a drastic measure in 2022 to revamp Facebook: deleting all friend connections. This revelation came during the FTC’s antitrust case against Meta, where the focus is if Meta created a monopoly by purchasing Instagram and WhatsApp.

Facebook’s Identity Crisis

Zuckerberg acknowledged Facebook’s shift from a platform connecting friends to one emphasizing news and third-party content. “The ‘friend’ part has gone down quite a bit,” he admitted, noting the increased presence of groups and other content.

A Radical Solution

Facing competition from platforms like TikTok, Zuckerberg proposed wiping everyone’s friend graphs to revitalize Facebook’s reputation, particularly among younger users. This “crazy idea,” as he termed it, aimed to double down on friending.

Internal Doubts

Tom Alison, head of Facebook, expressed reservations, citing the importance of friend connections to Instagram. Discussions ensued about converting profiles to a follow model.

The “OG” Facebook Experience

Ultimately, the mass unfriending didn’t happen. However, Facebook recognizes users’ longing for its original focus. The company is introducing “OG” experiences, including a Friends tab showcasing friends’ posts and stories.

This move signals Facebook’s attempt to balance its evolved platform with the core connections that defined its early years.