In a recent court hearing, Mark Zuckerberg admitted that users are spending less time on Facebook and Instagram. Although not quantified, this trend confirms what many had already suspected: Meta’s flagship platforms are struggling to hold user attention in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Growing Pressure from TikTok

With TikTok’s meteoric rise, Meta is forced to rethink its strategies. The Chinese network, known for its short, highly engaging content formats, massively appeals to younger audiences, becoming a key content consumption hub. Meanwhile, Facebook and Instagram are finding it difficult to keep up.

This isn’t the first time Meta has faced such competition. We recall its unsuccessful attempts to acquire Snapchat, followed by efforts to mimic its features. However, the gap is widening now, and the nature of user engagement is evolving.

Shift to Private Messaging

Another significant change highlighted by Zuckerberg is the shift of interactions towards private messaging. Messenger and WhatsApp are becoming the preferred platforms for communications, moving away from the public stage of news feeds. This significant pivot reflects a growing quest for privacy among users.

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This shift in usage patterns is not trivial. It weakens engagement on the main platforms while complicating the monetization of content, historically linked to public spaces.

Are Networks Becoming Too Cluttered?

The very structure of traditional social networks seems to be problematic today. Particularly on Facebook, social graphs have become excessively large: former colleagues, distant acquaintances, brands once followed out of curiosity… This accumulation ultimately dilutes interest, clutters news feeds, and discourages participation.

Some observers believe this phenomenon is contributing to a decline in usage, especially among younger users who are in search of more authentic or targeted spaces.

A Lack of Transparency Raises Questions

While Zuckerberg acknowledges the trend, he remains vague about the specific data. No figures have been released to quantify the decline in usage. This caution raises questions: Is it a mere communication strategy, or is there a real lack of visibility internally?

The lack of transparency fuels speculation, particularly among analysts and investors who struggle to assess the exact trajectory of the group. Meta, for its part, seems intent on controlling the narrative, even if it means maintaining some ambiguity about the reality of its commitment.