Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently opened up about a significant regret from his two decades of leading Facebook, now Meta. During a live event for the “Acquired” podcast at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Zuckerberg described a “20-year mistake” related to how Meta has handled various controversies and criticisms over the years.

Zuckerberg’s Reflection on Apologies and Accountability

In his candid discussion, Zuckerberg admitted that Meta had taken undue responsibility for issues where he felt the company was not at fault. He expressed regret over how the company responded to criticisms and political pressures, acknowledging that this miscalculation has impacted Meta’s reputation.

“I think we accepted other people’s view of some of the things that they were asserting that we were doing wrong or were responsible for, that I don’t actually think we were,” Zuckerberg said, according to TechCrunch and Casey Newton’s Platformer. He noted that the company should have been more assertive and clear about its actual role in various controversies.

Meta’s Historical Controversies

Meta, formerly Facebook, has faced numerous high-profile criticisms, including its role in the Myanmar ethnic cleansing, the Cambridge Analytica scandal, misinformation during elections, and concerns over minors’ mental health on social media platforms. Zuckerberg has publicly testified and apologized before Congress multiple times in response to these issues.

Reflecting on his leadership, Zuckerberg suggested that the political miscalculations were a major misstep for the company. “If the IPO was a year-and-a-half mistake, I think that the political miscalculation was a 20-year mistake,” he stated. He believes it will take another decade to fully rehabilitate Meta’s image to where it might have been without these missteps.

Zuckerberg’s Public Image and Future Outlook

In recent years, Zuckerberg has worked on revamping his public image. He has embraced a new personal style, focused on fitness, and engaged in more personal social media interactions. He has also shifted away from politics, aiming to be less publicly involved in this election cycle and has even feuded with Elon Musk.

“I’ve become more careful and scripted,” Zuckerberg admitted in a post on Threads. “Still not my best thing, but getting a bit more comfortable just being me as I get older.”

As Zuckerberg reflects on his tenure and moves into a more unapologetic phase, the future of Meta and its ongoing efforts to address past mistakes remain closely watched by both critics and supporters.

Conclusion

Mark Zuckerberg’s acknowledgment of his “20-year mistake” and his decision to stop apologizing mark a significant shift in how he views Meta’s past controversies and his role in addressing them. As the company continues to navigate its reputation, Zuckerberg’s introspection and evolving approach offer insights into the challenges of leading a major tech company through turbulent times.