TECHNOLOGY
Meta's AI Team Shrinks: What's the Real Deal?
Thu Oct 23 2025
Meta, the company behind Facebook, has decided to let go of around 600 workers from its AI team. This includes people from the Fundamental AI Research unit and the AI product and infrastructure division. Some experts say this is just a way to make the company look better to investors.
AI is everywhere these days, from helping us find jobs to even influencing who we date. But as AI gets better, some companies are realizing they don't need as many people working on it. Meta had a big hiring spree earlier this year, spending millions on AI and hiring new leaders. But now, they're cutting back, saying it's to make things more efficient.
The company's CEO said that with fewer people, decisions can be made faster. Workers who lose their jobs can apply for other positions within the company. But some people think this is just about making more money, not about being more efficient.
One HR expert said that companies are focusing too much on cutting costs and not enough on people. Another expert said that this is just how businesses work - they invest in new things, then cut back when the excitement fades. But AI is still a big priority for many companies, even if they're cutting back on research.
Some people think this isn't a big deal because the workers can find other jobs within the company. But others say it shows how businesses always move their money to whatever is making the most profit at the moment. It's not just about AI - it's about how companies always look for the next big thing.
One expert said that this isn't a sign that Meta is giving up on AI. It's just that they've learned some lessons and are making changes to work better. So, even though they're cutting back, they're still investing in AI.
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questions
Will the laid-off AI team members be replaced by robots that can also complain about being laid off?
Could these layoffs be a cover for Meta to hide a secret AI project that doesn't need as many humans?
How does Meta's decision to lay off 600 roles in its AI team align with its previous investments and hiring spree in the same sector?
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