Word on the grapevine is that social media nightmare platform Facebook is planning on changing its name.
This mighty rebrand, according toThe Verge, is happening for one reason:the metaverse.In more real terms, the Zuck wants to position Facebook as more than a social media company.
On the information we have, it seems this move is likeGoogle reorganizing under the Alphabet name. That means it’s unlikely the Facebook app itself will receive a name change, instead there’ll be an umbrella business that all the company’s separate units sit under.
In other words, when you start up WhatsApp, it won’t say “By Facebook” anywhere. There’ll be a new moniker in its place
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Looked at from this perspective, the rebranding makes sense. The company has been pumping huge amounts of resources into itsupcoming AR productsand THE ZUCKMAN has been clear about his goals ofbuilding the metaverse.
On the other hand… this stinks of nefarious PR.
It’s no secret that Facebook is a fucking hateful mess. Whether it’s the recentwhistleblower fiasco,ignoring teen safety on Instagram,the Cambridge Analytica scandal, ordozens of other things, the company has a trash reputation.
That’s fitting because, of course, it’s a trash company.
This potential rebrand wants to counter that fact. The change is an attempt to dissociate the toxic Facebook name from things like Oculus, WhatsApp, and Instagram — as well as other businesses the company is planning on running.
Despite all this — and because I’m a Great Guy™ — I’ve decided to help Facebook and Zuckerberg out. So, totally free of charge, here are some ideas for a fresh brand…
Potential new names for Facebook
Man, with suggestions like this, I really should be on Facebook’s payroll. Sorry, I mean Nothing Suspicious Going On Here’s payroll. Guy’s gotta eat, y’know.
Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
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