Recent surveys indicate that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faces significant unpopularity among Americans. A Pew Research Center study conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2025, revealed that 67% of U.S. adults hold an unfavorable view of Zuckerberg. (pewresearch.org) This sentiment spans across political affiliations, with approximately 76% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans expressing negative opinions.
Comparatively, Elon Musk, another prominent tech figure, has a 54% unfavorable rating among Americans. Musk’s perception varies significantly along party lines: 73% of Republicans view him favorably, whereas only 12% of Democrats share that sentiment. (pewresearch.org) In contrast, Zuckerberg’s unpopularity is more uniformly distributed across the political spectrum.
Age also plays a role in these perceptions. The Pew Research Center study found that 70% of adults under 30 view Zuckerberg unfavorably, with slightly lower negative perceptions among older age groups. (pewresearch.org)
Zuckerberg’s declining approval isn’t limited to the public; it extends to his own employees. In 2021, his approval rating among Meta staff on Glassdoor dropped from 94% in 2019 to 88%, leading to his omission from Glassdoor’s “Top 100 CEOs” list for the first time since 2013. (businessinsider.com)
Several factors contribute to Zuckerberg’s negative image. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Facebook user data was harvested without consent for political advertising, significantly damaged public trust. (forbes.com) Additionally, Facebook’s role in disseminating misinformation and its perceived impact on political processes have drawn widespread criticism. (pewresearch.org)
Efforts to rebrand himself, including adopting a more “masculine” corporate culture at Meta and engaging in activities like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, have not substantially improved public perception. (vanityfair.com) Moreover, decisions such as severing ties with third-party fact-checkers have raised concerns about increased disinformation on Meta’s platforms, leading some users to boycott services like Instagram and Facebook. (teenvogue.com)
In summary, Mark Zuckerberg’s attempts to reshape his public image have yet to resonate positively with the American public. Both his professional decisions and personal rebranding efforts face significant challenges in reversing widespread unfavorable opinions.
