META CUTS 10% WORKFORCE AS MORALE TANKS

The layoffs affect a significant portion of Meta's workforce, with sources telling Wired that employee morale has deteriorated in anticipation of the announcement. The company's aggressive pivot toward AI development has accelerated despite the incoming cuts, with more than 1,000 engineers involuntarily moved to focus on generative AI model development. This strategy reflects Meta's broader commitment to competing in the AI race, even as it simultaneously reduces headcount across other divisions. The dual approach—cutting costs while investing heavily in AI—signals where leadership sees the company's future priorities. More than a dozen current and former employees spoke with Wired about conditions inside the company ahead of the layoffs, painting a picture of uncertainty and low confidence among staff.