In the confusing and ever-evolving world of cyber hegemony, one billion dollar question has resurfaced. Did Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, buy the popular microblogging platform, Twitter?
Zuckerberg is well known for his passionate ambition for cyber superiority and his influential record in the field of online technology. To keep up with his ever-growing social media empire, some would speculate that he had set his sights too high. It would be naïve to think Zuckerberg could actually pull off a maneuver so large as buying Twitter.
However, some have suggested that on the 15th November 2016; Mark Zuckerberg penned an informal ‘letter of intent’ which rumors certainly could have signified the beginning of an official buy out of Twitter. The CEO of Facebook’s intentions were reportedly centered around amassing further power, as well as compensating for his failings in the mobile-social media sector.
Nevertheless, these rumors were never confirmed by either Zuckerberg or Twitter. It is difficult to point out exactly what the truth is in the case of the potential purchase, given the staunch secrecy that has surrounded any initiative or legal agreement between both companies. It is evident that the actual purchase did not take place.
Industry experts have suggested that the informal agreement between both companies was likely of noncommittal nature or had some other unspoken purpose. Analysts have noted that Facebook lacks the clout of competitors in the mobile-social media sector. Twitter, though, continues to generate significant opportunities in the market due to being a pioneer in the mobile-social media field.
Facebook has developed the platform known as ‘Facebook Lite’ in an effort to venture into the mobile-social media market, with limited success. The success of ‘Facebook Lite’ has been dwarfed compared to the accomplishments of its main competitor- Twitter. This leads to even greater speculation that Facebook may have intended to acquire Twitter in order to complement its current endeavours in the mobile-social media sector.
Many ponder if the informal agreement was really a façade to give Zuckerberg the high ground in terms of mobile-social media sector negotiation and discussion. This could have been done through utilizing the leverage of Twitter in order to gain a stronger advantage and authority in the mobile-social media domain.
On the other hand, a decision to acquire Twitter could have been part of Zuckerberg’s larger mission to become the general public’s number one provider of mobile-social media. Zuckerberg has said: “We have a close working relationship with all of [our] strategic partners, and a number of ideas and initiatives that we’re still exploring to better serve our users.”. Subsequently, it appears that Zuckerberg is committed to seeing through any possible action to bring his vision to life.
The Use of Strategic Partnerships
It is clear then that Zuckerberg has not purchased Twitter, yet he is still looking to strengthen his presence in the mobile-social media sector. By making strategic partnerships with Twitter, Facebook could create a powerful alliance. Both parties have already utilized the rivals to their advantage.
In several recent cases, Twitter has co-operated with Facebook’s advertising plans. For example, Twitter recently joined forces with Facebook to develop a program that allows targeted advertising, using collected user data, to be distributed on both platforms.
In terms of economic gain, for Twitter, the resulting partnership could result in a win-win scenario. It could result in more efficient monetization of the Twitter account and potentially increase conversion rates. Conversely, for Facebook, the partnership could provide a fairer way of competing with rivals such as Twitter itself and the Snapchat network, in terms of their respective mobile-social media sector.
The move could also lead the way for a greater range of co-operative branding and marketing initiatives for both parties. This situates Facebook in a stronger and more powerful position, which makes it easier to identify potential markets and create a larger target audience.
Overall, while Mark Zuckerberg may have intended to purchase Twitter, the situation is now entirely different and focused on working in tandem as strategic partners. This approach appears to have the potential to benefit both parties, in terms of the mobile-social media sector, brands, and financial gain.
The Effect On The Global Market
An alliance between the two big-shot social media giants is sure to have ramifications for the larger global market. Already, stocks in the two companies have experienced a surge as speculation of a Facebook-Twitter merger picks up speed.
Analysts are split in terms of what a potential merger would mean for the overall market stability; some say it could create an incentive for other companies to enter the market given the increased competition, while others suggest that it could create an imbalanced market landscape given such large players operating independently.
It is not yet known what the current agreement holds for the future, but it is certain that the two companies are looking to work together in some capacity. While they may not be merging as some predicted, it’s clear that both have a mutual understanding that could have implications beyond just their own business.
In addition, the possibility of a merger has been a feature point in the consideration of whether or not antitrust law would be violated. It is argued that such a move could undermine the competition, limit consumer choice, and raise consumer prices.
Regulating bodies such as the FTC are currently scrutinizing both companies in a bid to determine potential anti- competitive behavior. This is yet another indication of the potential ofs such a move.
Ethical Considerations of A Merger
The potential merger also raises ethical issues. Some argue that the combination of large cyber companies with wide reach can create serious social issues, such as the intentional circulation of false information and increased surveillance of everyday individuals.
This would mean that the companies would gain a “moral imperative” to govern the information that is circulated on the internet. Moreover, it could open both companies up to criticism from other corporations and social groups.
In conclusion, while Mark Zuckerberg did not outright purchased Twitter, it could be argued that an agreement between the two companies may have been in works, given the coinciding developments between the two. Nevertheless, though, it appears that the collaboration between both companies is focusing on forming a strategic alliance in order industry gain, instead of acquiring the other.
Alternative Social Media Platforms
As the potential of a merger between Facebook and Twitter diminishes, other platforms appear to be standing to benefit. In recent months, Snapchat and Instagram have seen substantial growth, with both platforms operating on independent business models. With the increased competition, both companies are introducing innovative ways to capture the attention of their users.
The introduction of several new ideas such as ‘stories’ and ‘disappearing messages’ is testament to the companies’ innovative approach in staying relevant. Snapchat also recently added a ‘Discover’ feature that allows publications to provide insight and entertainment to their users.
These platforms have also emerged as the go-to destination for online marketers and advertisers. Both platforms are the choice for many professionals to target their desired demographics, due to the expansive reach that both possess.
Meanwhile, traditional platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have sought to create and implement similar features in order to engage with new generations of users. However, the success of these efforts has been limited. This continues to further widen the gap in terms of reach between both companies and their newer competitors.
REShaping The Social Media Landscape
The competition in the mobile-social media sector is certainly intensifying, and it is clear that the competition is not limited to just Facebook and Twitter. Many of the smaller companies that were once touted as the ‘future of social media’ have since lost their way and have been pushed aside in the transition to become one of the major players.
The landscape is ever-changing, and it remains to be seen just how much of an impact the potential merger of Facebook and Twitter will have on the field as a whole. However, with both companies continuing to look to innovate and introduce new features, it appears that the mobile-social media sector is destined to be shaped by their presence.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, artificial intelligence has played an increasingly important role in the mobile-social media sector. Companies such as Facebook and Twitter are looking to leverage artificial intelligence to analyze the data that is gathered from their users in order to gain a better understanding of their behavior.
The use of artificial intelligence can provide valuable insights into user preferences and interests, as well as improve targeting and efficiency. This can in turn lead to better informed decisions regarding marketing campaigns, product development, pricing models and customer support.
This technology is also allowing platforms to develop next-generation features such as natural language processing and speech recognition. These features are fundamental in improving the user experience and providing users with greater access to content.
There is a potential opportunity in artificial intelligence for both Facebook and Twitter to collaborate and share resources. Such an endeavor could result in a new product or service that could disrupt the industry as we know it.
