Economist Podcasts The Intelligence: as Zuck would have it
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Nov 28, 2023 
Henry Tricks, a global business columnist for The Economist, and Alessandro Ford, an expert on Latin America, dive into the recent turnaround of Meta under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership. They explore the illegal gold rush in Venezuela, where desperate workers turn to dangerous mining amid economic turmoil, and discuss the connection between mining and crime. Additionally, they touch on the cultural significance of North Korea's women's football team, examining how their success serves as propaganda amidst complex social dynamics.
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Meta's Metaverse Miss
- Meta's share price dropped over 20% after missing earnings estimates and losing billions on its Reality Labs division.
- Mark Zuckerberg's singular focus on the metaverse seemed to be failing.
Zuckerberg's Turnaround
- Mark Zuckerberg's turnaround involved slashing spending and embracing AI.
- These decisions, made within weeks, followed investor pressure and the rise of ChatGPT.
AI-Driven Engagement
- Zuckerberg used AI to improve user engagement on Facebook and Instagram.
- He introduced Reels, a TikTok-like video app, which successfully re-engaged users.