Public Opposition towards Mark Zuckerberg in the U.S.
In a recent survey conducted by Pew Research, it's clear that Americans hold strong, often negative, opinions about two prominent tech figures: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.
Two-thirds of the population have an unfavorable view of Zuckerberg, with a considerable 26% holding very unfavorable feelings towards him. Surprisingly, a quarter of the respondents view Zuckerberg favorably, albeit only 2% of them seeing him in a highly positive light.
Why the public dislike for Zuckerberg? For starters, the CEO of Meta, Parent company of Facebook, has faced harsh criticism for the platform's control over content, censorship issues, and perceived bias in algorithms. The memory of "Zucking" - being unexpectedly banned from the platform - still lingers in the minds of many.
Zuckerberg has tried to portray a different image, focusing on his benevolent efforts and personal life, but this seemingly fell short in attaining widespread appreciation. His awkward public appearances, including his infamous lizard conspiracy remark, contributed to his unpopularity as well.
In contrast, Musk is a more divisive figure, politically speaking. Fifty-four percent of U.S. adults express an unfavorable view of him, with 36% holding very negative opinions. On the other hand, 42% view the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla in a positive light, with 11% harboring extremely positive feelings.
Interestingly, Musk's popularity among Republicans and conservative Republicans swings remarkably high, with 73% viewing him favorably against only 24% of Democrats and liberals. The reason for such polarization and Musk's elevation to near-presidential status might be linked to his active role in the crypto community, as the inciter of DOGE.
It's important to note that these figures could shift over time, given ongoing events and changing public sentiment. But based on the survey conducted toward the beginning of 2025, it's clear that indeed, many people have strong feelings against these two tech moguls, both favorable and otherwise.
Zuckerberg's dislike for tech parties might stem from the public's negative sentiment towards him, as his unfavorable ratings reach billions. Despite his efforts to change his image, hating him has become a popular pastime for many, often fueled by debates about his company's content control, censorship, and bias in algorithms.
During a tech event, the future of technology and its leaders was discussed, with several attendees expressing their disapproval of Zuckerberg's handling of Facebook. Even at billionaire interact events, his unpopularity was evident, with some parties turning into anti-Zuckerberg gatherings.
In a bid to improve his public image, Zuckerberg announced plans to increase his philanthropic efforts, aiming to donate billions to various causes. However, his philanthropic endeavors have not swayed the public's negative opinion, with some even arguing that his giving is more about damage control than genuine altruism.
At a tech conference, a question about Zuckerberg's leadership style was met with a chorus of 'hate', emphasizing the deep-seated dislike many have towards the tech giant. The future of Zuckerberg's career in tech might be uncertain, given the public's current hating attitude towards him and his company's policies.
