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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appears to be reinventing himself post-Election Day, showcasing a new look and seemingly embracing new values. But how genuine is his transformation?
In an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, posted to Spotify on January 10, Zuckerberg presented his updated persona, complete with a gold chain and longer hair. This rebranding coincides with significant policy changes at Meta, such as eliminating fact-checking and rolling back diversity initiatives. Notably, he’s even banned tampons from men’s bathrooms in Meta offices, signaling an apparent shift away from progressive policies.
But a particularly cringeworthy moment during the interview raises questions about the sincerity of his transformation.
The Bowhunting Blunder
The conversation turned to bowhunting, and Zuckerberg’s attempts to connect with Rogan’s hunting expertise fell flat.
Mark Zuckerberg caught trying to lie about bow hunting with Joe Rogan
— Jack Poso ???????? (@JackPosobiec) January 16, 2025
Life lesson: Don't try to lie to fit in
Especially with Joe Rogan pic.twitter.com/vqTUBqJUIH
“My favorite is bow, bow and arrow,” Zuckerberg stated confidently. Rogan, an avid bowhunter known for discussing hunting on his podcast, pressed for specifics. When asked, “What kind of bow do you have?” Zuckerberg stammered before admitting, “Gosh, I didn’t get to do it this season.”
It only got worse. Unable to name the manufacturer of his bow or identify who taught him to bow hunt, Zuckerberg eventually conceded, “This is embarrassing.”
A Performance, Not a Transformation
This awkward exchange casts doubt on Zuckerberg’s attempts to craft a new image. It suggests that his recent changes—both personal and professional—might be more about optics than genuine belief.
His revamped policies and public persona align suspiciously well with the realities of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. After 77 million Americans voted for Trump, Zuckerberg seems to be signaling a pivot to align Meta’s image with conservative values. Eliminating fact-checking and diversity measures could be seen as moves designed to preserve his business interests in an increasingly polarized cultural climate.
The Big Question: Is It Real?
Should we take any of these changes at face value? Likely not. It seems less about personal growth and more about strategic survival. One has to wonder—would Zuckerberg have made these changes had Trump lost the election?
For now, the tech mogul’s awkward efforts to reshape public opinion provide moments of comedy more than authenticity. Whether or not they’ll resonate with the audience he’s targeting remains to be seen.
