Zuckerberg defends Metas bloodbath layoffs: Success isnt a given in AI push

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the company’s brutal layoffs of 8,000 workers — saying “success isn’t a given” as the tech giant pushes full steam ahead into the highly competitive AI sector.In a Wednesday memo, he tried to justify the purge, which kicked off with emails to targeted workers at 4 a.m.local time in their respective regions around the world.

Another 7,000 staffers were reportedly set to be reassigned to AI-focused roles as part of the restructuring.“Success isn’t a given.AI is the most consequential technology of our lifetimes,” Zuckerberg told employees in the missive, which was obtained by several news outlets.

“The companies that lead the way will define the next generation.”“We’re transforming our company to make sure it will always be the best place for talented people to have the greatest impact,” he said.“People tell us that they appreciate the ability to take greater ownership and execute their vision with less bureaucracy and management to navigate.”Zuckerberg said it’s “always sad to say goodbye to people who have contributed to our mission,” and expressed his “gratitude” to all those impacted for their “hard work” — adding that execs “do not expect other companywide layoffs this year.”Meta did not immediately answer a request for comment.Some disgruntled employees at the Facebook, Meta and WhatsApp owner believe the 10% reduction that took place this week is just the beginning as Meta spends big on AI, with planned capital expenditures as high as $145 billion this year alone.Brittany Pierson, a Dallas-based content designer who spent more than four years at Meta, said she actually felt “so much relief” after getting the ax Wednesday because she had long worried that her role would be eliminated by artificial intelligence.“If you survive, then you need to start training yourself on an entirely new role that AI can’t replace — all while mentally preparing yourself for the next la...