Facebook rumored to rebrand and change name.
(Picture: Getty Images)Facebook is planning on changing its name next week to reflect its focus on building more than just social media, according to reports.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to announce the name change at the company’s annual Connect conference on October 28th. In July, Zuckerberg told The Verge that, over the next several years, Facebook will “effectively transition from people seeing us as primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company.”
The term ‘metaverse’ was originated by by sci-fi novelist Neal Stephenson to describe a virtual utopia. The tech industry defines it as a “a multiverse which interoperates more with the real world”.
According to The Verge, Facebook already has more than 10,000 employees building consumer hardware like AR (Alternate Reality) glasses that Zuckerberg believes will eventually be as widely used as smartphones.
Because Facebook also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, a name change could position the three apps under one big umbrella brand.
A rebrand could also be just what the company needs after facing intense criticism following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony before Congress about the platform’s negative business practices.
Zuckerberg, however, seems the most concerned with building this metaverse, telling The Verge that it’s going to be a big part of the “next chapter for the way the internet evolves after the mobile internet.” The company is “really doubling down in this area,” he said.
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A company spokesperson, when asked about the name change, stated plainly that Facebook does not comment on rumor or speculation. However, this has not stopped Twitter users from coming up with their own hilarious suggestions.
Karenbook
— KG (@1Graveseh) October 20, 2021
Mumsnet
— Ivens (@rogivens) October 20, 2021
I think spybook is a good one. Or Facecrook. Either one really
— KB The Investor (@KBTheInvestor) October 20, 2021
FikFok
— Michael Schwartz 🟡 (@michlschwrtz) October 20, 2021
Dear Facebook- have you thought about the name Phillip Morris? I think it’s available.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) October 20, 2021
Your welcome
Many users suggested adding “The”, a reference to a scene in The Social Network where Justin Timberlake’s character’s crucial advice to a young Zuckerberg is to drop the “The”.
Drop the "Facebook"
— John Borden (@Bjorkbat) October 20, 2021
Just "The"
Alternatively, no name at all. Why does it need a name?
Others are parodying how difficult it is for users to change their own names on the platform.
Dear Facebook:
— Ina Fried (@inafried) October 20, 2021
We've received your request to change your name. However, due to our real names policy, you will first need to fax us a copy of your court order and new driver's license....
Several users humorously commented on the ingenuity of the rebrand.
Facebook changing its name has big “We painted a cop car rainbow colors to support the LGBT community” energy.
— The Volatile Mermaid (Resting Witch Face) (@OhNoSheTwitnt) October 20, 2021
CONGRESS [angrily]: You've got a lot to answer for, Facebook!
— Will Oremus (@WillOremus) October 20, 2021
BACEFOOK [wearing fake mustache and VR headset]: Who? https://t.co/BgH5VOdNjT
Us: We want Facebook to stop spreading dangerous disinformation and white supremacy.
— The Volatile Mermaid (Resting Witch Face) (@OhNoSheTwitnt) October 20, 2021
Zuckerberg: Here is a new name.
The new name for the app will (hopefully) be revealed next week.
