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Is Facebook Still Relevant in 2025? Leaked Emails Reveal Zuckerberg’s Alarming Concerns
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is increasingly concerned about Facebook’s fading cultural relevance, according to newly surfaced internal emails that shed light on deep internal debates at the tech giant. While Facebook’s engagement numbers have remained steady, its place in pop culture and user behavior appears to be slipping—a shift that could threaten the platform’s long-term viability.
Zuckerberg’s Candid Admission: Cultural Decline Despite Engagement
In internal emails dated April 2022, submitted as evidence in an ongoing legal case and reported by TechCrunch, Zuckerberg openly addressed what he called Facebook’s “declining cultural relevance.” In one of the messages to senior Meta staff, he wrote:
“Even though the FB app’s engagement is steady in many places, it feels like its cultural relevance is decreasing quickly, and I worry that this may be a leading indicator of future health issues.”
These concerns go beyond daily active users or revenue streams. Zuckerberg believes that if Facebook continues to lose its grip on culture—especially among younger demographics—Meta’s broader ambitions could suffer, even if platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp continue to perform well.
Friends vs. Followers: Facebook’s Outdated Model Under Scrutiny
A major theme in these internal discussions is Facebook’s aging “Friends” model, which Zuckerberg and other Meta executives now view as outdated. The traditional friending system—once revolutionary—is being questioned for its relevance in today’s social media environment.
“Friending feels out of vogue right now,” Zuckerberg admitted.
He went as far as to suggest a complete reset of users’ friend networks—a radical but risky move that highlights just how seriously Meta is considering structural changes. The growing popularity of follower-based models used by TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) is influencing this potential pivot.
The “OG Facebook” Revival: A Return to Roots in 2025
Fast-forward to 2025, and Zuckerberg has publicly confirmed that restoring Facebook’s cultural impact is a top priority. During Meta’s Q4 2024 earnings call, he unveiled a strategic plan focused on reviving what he called “OG Facebook”—a modernized return to the platform’s original social charm.
One of the first tangible changes? A newly designed Friends tab, rolled out to help users reconnect and engage in more meaningful ways. This is part of a broader effort to modernize the interface and rejuvenate user interest.
A Shift Toward a “Follow-First” Future?
Zuckerberg’s internal communications hint at a larger structural transformation that may see Facebook abandon its legacy friending system entirely. Instead, the platform could move toward a “follow-first” model, aligning itself with how users engage on Instagram, TikTok, and other trend-setting apps.
This change wouldn’t come without risks. Facebook’s user base—spanning generations and global regions—is accustomed to the current format. Any drastic shift risks alienating long-time users even as it tries to appeal to younger audiences.
Still, the urgency is clear: if Facebook is to remain a central player in the social media ecosystem, it must evolve with changing digital behaviors and expectations.
Is Facebook’s Relevance Truly in Decline?
While the leaked emails expose Zuckerberg’s internal doubts, the future of Facebook isn’t written in stone. With billions of users worldwide and a deep integration into daily life and digital marketing ecosystems, Facebook still commands immense influence.
However, as platforms like TikTok redefine how users interact, consume content, and define social “cool,” Meta faces an undeniable challenge: How do you make Facebook feel fresh again without losing what made it iconic in the first place?
The coming years will likely determine whether Facebook can reinvent itself successfully—or gradually fade into digital nostalgia.
Key Takeaways:
- Zuckerberg is deeply concerned about Facebook’s loss of cultural relevance.
- The platform’s outdated “Friends” model is under reconsideration.
- A possible shift to a “follow-first” structure is being explored.
- Facebook is launching updates to restore its original appeal in 2025.
- Meta’s broader success may hinge on whether Facebook can remain relevant in a fast-changing social media landscape.