Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel

🌈 Abstract

The document discusses the role of millennials in the tech industry, particularly in relation to Facebook. It includes email exchanges between tech leaders like Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Nick Clegg, where they discuss:

• The unique position of Facebook as a "Millennial company" and Mark Zuckerberg as a "spokesman" for the Millennial generation
• Strategies for Facebook to better appeal to and engage with Millennials, including:
  • Adjusting messaging and marketing to be more Millennial-focused
  • Considering Millennials for the Facebook board of directors
  • Investing more in the tech ecosystem to align with Millennial interests
• The broader generational shift happening as Millennials gain more influence and power compared to Baby Boomers

🙋 Q&A

[01] Millennials and Facebook

1. What makes Facebook a "Millennial company" according to the discussion?

• Facebook was started by a team of Millennials and remains the most successful Millennial company in terms of market capitalization
• The product was initially used by Millennial college students and became an important part of the Millennial experience
• Mark Zuckerberg has been cast as a "spokesman" for the Millennial generation, with his actions and messaging being interpreted through a generational lens

2. What are some of the suggestions for how Facebook can better appeal to Millennials?

• Adjust Mark Zuckerberg's messaging and communications to be more Millennial-focused, rather than catering to Baby Boomers
• Consider adding Millennials to the Facebook board of directors to bring a younger perspective
• Invest more in the tech ecosystem in Silicon Valley to better identify with the Millennial generation
• Focus philanthropic efforts on causes and initiatives that resonate more with Millennials

3. What challenges does Facebook face in appealing to Millennials?

• Millennials are generally distrustful of large corporations and tech companies, making it difficult for Facebook to gain their trust and support
• Many Millennials hold socialist or anti-capitalist views, which can be at odds with Facebook's business model and priorities
• The interests and values of Millennials may differ significantly from those of the Baby Boomer generation that currently holds power in many institutions

[02] Generational Shifts

1. How does the discussion characterize the generational shift happening in society?

• There is a delay in the handover of power and influence from the Baby Boomer generation to younger generations like Gen X and Millennials
• This delay has led to the Baby Boomers maintaining an "iron grip" on many important institutions, such as universities and government
• As Millennials and Gen Z gain more voting power and influence, this generational transition is expected to happen more rapidly and dramatically in the coming decade

2. What are some examples provided of the Baby Boomer generation's grip on power?

• The median age of presidents at the top 67 research universities in the U.S. is 65 years old, compared to 52 years old 30 years ago
• The last three U.S. presidents (Clinton, Bush 43, and Trump) were all born within 70 days of each other in the summer of 1946, reflecting the Boomers' self-referential power

3. How does the discussion suggest this generational shift may impact institutions and policies?

• As Millennials and younger generations gain more influence, there may be a shift towards policies and priorities that better serve their interests, such as addressing issues like student debt and housing affordability
• This transition may happen more suddenly and dramatically than previous generational shifts, as the Baby Boomers' grip on power is finally loosened