However, as the platform scaled, its business model began to clash with its altruistic mission. Facebook is free because its users are not the customers; they are the product. The company’s revenue engine is built on targeted advertising, powered by the vast troves of personal data users volunteer. This surveillance capitalism model fundamentally altered the psychology of the user. The "Like" button and algorithmic feed were engineered to maximize engagement, exploiting human psychology to create a dopamine loop that keeps users scrolling. The platform that promised to connect us began to compete for our attention, often at the cost of our mental well-being, fostering anxiety, depression, and a culture of digital narcissism.
Over the years, Facebook has acquired several other popular social media platforms, including Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014). These acquisitions have not only expanded Facebook's user base but also enabled the company to diversify its services and offerings. 0facebook
By the late 2010s, Facebook faced a crisis of conscience and public image. Whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations in 2021 confirmed what critics had long suspected: the company knew its algorithms amplified hate and harmed teenage girls, yet prioritized growth over safety. This scrutiny forced a strategic pivot. In October 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced the rebranding of the parent company to "Meta," signaling a shift from social networking to the "Metaverse"—a virtual reality future intended to transcend the limitations of the physical world. This rebrand was viewed by many as an attempt to distance the company from the toxic baggage associated with the Facebook name. However, as the platform scaled, its business model
