New York — In October 2021, Mark Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook into Meta, betting heavily on the metaverse as the future of digital interaction. Four years later, the project has collapsed spectacularly, with losses exceeding USD 70 billion (Rp 1,100 trillion). Horizon Worlds failed to attract users, Reality Labs faced mass layoffs, and investors lost confidence in Zuckerberg’s vision.
Bloomberg reports that Meta is now considering drastic budget cuts of up to 30% for its VR division, signaling the effective end of the metaverse dream. Ironically, Meta’s stock rose after news of the cuts, reflecting shareholder relief at abandoning the costly pursuit.
For Honors Insight, the collapse of the metaverse is not just a financial story—it is a lesson in honor and leadership accountability. True recognition comes not from bold promises but from the ability to adapt, acknowledge failure, and redirect resources responsibly. Zuckerberg’s pivot to AI, with a USD 72 billion investment, shows resilience, but also raises questions about whether honor lies in persistence or in knowing when to let go.
The metaverse saga reminds us that honor in leadership is measured by transparency, responsibility, and the courage to face reality. In the end, recognition is earned not by ambition alone, but by the integrity with which leaders navigate success and failure.
