Chapter 1: The Copycat Culture of Meta

Happy Thursday, everyone! As we enter the second half of 2022, let's dive into a hot topic: Why Meta seems to emulate everything. This week, Meta has set its sights on Discord, introducing channels to Facebook groups. They’ve even adopted a similar purple theme and gaming reference in their announcements.

This is just one instance in a long series of mimicry by Meta. Here’s a brief look at their imitation history:

• Discord = Channels in Facebook Groups
• TikTok = Instagram Reels and Remix
• Snapchat Stories = Instagram Stories
• Twitch = Facebook Gaming
• Clubhouse = Facebook Live Audio
• Periscope = Facebook Live Video
• Myspace = Facebook

In essence, Facebook has become a patchwork of previously popular social media elements.

While some might criticize this copying strategy, it’s a common practice in the tech industry. Keith Rabois offers insight into why Meta persists in this approach. He is:

• Highly knowledgeable
• A Silicon Valley pioneer (ex-PayPal mafia, Square, LinkedIn, Opendoor)
• General partner at Founder's Fund and an early backer of Facebook
• Known for his blunt opinions

Rabois argues that Meta's real strength lies in its business acumen rather than innovation. Give Mark Zuckerberg a successful concept, and he’ll amplify it. Just look at how he scaled Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. However, ask him to innovate from scratch, and we get missteps like the Facebook phone.

Rabois compares Zuckerberg’s approach to Bill Gates—more of a savvy businessman than a visionary like Steve Jobs. If creativity were currency, Meta would be nearly bankrupt.

So, what happens when a group project yields no original ideas? Simple: you copy what works. It's easier to replicate than to venture into untested waters.

What does this indicate for Meta's trajectory and the metaverse? Our prediction is that they will face challenges until they can acquire a company that has successfully navigated the complexities of the metaverse. Currently, they are under significant antitrust scrutiny, but in the long term, we wouldn't bet against Zuckerberg—if anyone can make the metaverse thrive, it's him.

The first video titled "5 Facebook Ad Copy Techniques You Can Copy NOW" provides actionable strategies that marketers can implement right away to enhance their ad campaigns.

Chapter 2: The State of Short-Form Content

VidCon made a comeback after three years, focusing heavily on short-form content. Interestingly, TikTok replaced YouTube as the event's primary sponsor, indicating a generational shift in content consumption. The vibe felt notably younger, marking the end of an era—though Mr. Beast still made headlines with an impressive 40-foot gumball machine.

Meanwhile, Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX, has issued warnings about the precarious state of many crypto exchanges, suggesting that several may be insolvent. He’s been stepping in to provide almost a billion dollars in loans to struggling companies, acting like a human ATM.

On another note, Snapchat has introduced Snapchat+ for $4 a month, offering features like app icon customization and insights on who rewatched your Stories. However, with pressure to monetize, will users be willing to pay?

Similarly, Netflix is rolling out an ad-supported subscription tier by the end of 2022 and is set to charge users who share accounts with multiple individuals.

Lastly, a surprising dental tip: dentists advise against rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth to let fluoride work effectively. Is life just one big deception?

The second video "How to Duplicate Facebook Ads and Keep the Social Proof (2021 update)" explores techniques for maintaining engagement and credibility in your ad campaigns.

Chapter 3: Effective Learning Techniques

Do you ever wonder how some people effortlessly remember details while others struggle to recall what they had for lunch? Traditional methods like repetition and note-taking often fall short for many, especially those who find them tedious.

Sahil Bloom, a successful creator and tech investor, shares valuable insights in his podcast. Here are two effective strategies to enhance retention without much extra effort:

#1 Engage with What You Love Unlike forced reading assignments, inspired consumption is about immersing yourself in topics that genuinely interest you—like watching entertaining TikTok videos. This level of engagement leads to a flow state, which significantly boosts retention.

#2 Create Connections Link new information to existing knowledge. This associative learning helps solidify memories. For instance, when you meet someone resembling a familiar face, the connection makes it easier to remember.

Next time you encounter new information, try to make those connections—it could help you retain it better.

In conclusion, what are your thoughts on this post? If you found it valuable, please give it a clap and share any topics you’d like us to cover next!