Meta CEO launches AI optimism campaign, pledges $145bn

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday publicly outlined an aggressively optimistic vision for artificial intelligence, positioning the company's technology as a force for human connection and empowerment in contrast to what he described as more fearful narratives. The announcement, made through a Facebook post and a new promotional video, frames Meta's approach as a deliberate counter to competitors who warn of job losses, security risks, and societal disruption from advanced AI.

Zuckerberg stated that Meta's core mission of connecting people will be strengthened, not diminished, by artificial intelligence. "Meta has always believed in giving people the power to share, connect, and shape your world in the ways you want," he wrote. "As we enter this next wave with AI, we continue to believe the future is for everyone." The accompanying video advertisement directly challenges pessimistic views, stating, "Some people will have you believe AI will make us less connected, that it's gonna leave us behind. We couldn't disagree more. Call us optimists, call us dreamers... we're betting on people."

The campaign emphasizes accessibility, highlighting Meta's 22-year history of offering free...