Facebook 2.0 : What Is Metaverse And How It Will Work?

The newly rebranded meta has made a billion dollars in india on an increasing shift to digital advertising. As it adopts a new identity and takes a costly leap into the metaverse, will past baggage and challenges weigh heavy?

- Vidya S. & Abhik Sen

HERE’S A QUICK QUESTION: What comes to your mind when you think of Facebook? Let’s see now. You, a common man: “FB? I get to watch fun posts and videos, stay in touch with friends and colleagues, stay connected with distant cousins and relatives, and also make new friends.” You, an enterprise manager: “A platform to advertise my products and services.” You, a small business: “I can create an FB ‘page’ and promote, even sell, my products and services.” You, a wannabe businessman: “I can start a virtual business on FB, I don’t need to take an office on rent.” You, a youngster, teen, Gen Z, cool dude: “FB? Nah, it’s too fuddy-duddy, it’s for my parents; Insta is more my thing!” You, a politician or public administrator: “FB… WhatsApp…hmm… gotta keep an eye on these fellows; they can be a nuisance….”

Diverse perspectives, yes. But sadly for the company, in recent times, the last one has dwarfed much of the other aspects of the Facebook family of apps both in India and in many overseas markets including the US, Russia and the UK. (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are now brought under an umbrella brand called Meta; in India the company is still known as Facebook India, but will be known as Meta in India going forward.) Meta’s managers have time and again responded by making changes and engaging with governments and other stakeholders.