Meta Platforms has eliminated approximately 600 positions within its AI divisions. The layoffs impacted teams involved in AI infrastructure, research, and product integration. Meta has indicated a preference for smaller, more agile teams to enhance focus on new AI objectives. The job cuts are part of a broader strategy to reorganize Meta’s AI operations. Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang emphasized the need for teams that can achieve greater outcomes with fewer personnel. Reports suggest that while funding is not being reduced, resources are being redirected towards superintelligence initiatives and extensive AI training. Concurrently, Meta has unveiled an internal AI tool named Metamate. This tool assists employees in crafting performance reviews by aggregating notes, reports, and project updates.
Functioning similarly to ChatGPT, it generates summaries for self-assessments. Employee feedback on Metamate has been mixed; while some have found it expedites the review process, others argue it overlooks personal nuances, necessitating additional revisions. Most staff utilize it primarily as a draft aid rather than a fully reliant tool. Notwithstanding the layoffs, Meta remains committed to significant investments in AI research and development. The company is leveraging AI for app creation, workflow management, and team efficiency. Meta’s long-term vision involves creating robust AI systems capable of competing with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google.