Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg became the centre of attention this week not for tech innovation but for a digitally enhanced image that gave him a beard and moustache. The doctored image stirred considerable buzz online, overshadowing his announcement of a new AI update from Meta.
What's This 'Beard Photo' Everyone's Been Talking About?
On April 18, Zuckerberg uploaded a video to Instagram to discuss advancements in Meta's AI technology. However, the spotlight quickly shifted when Mike Rundle, known on the social platform X (formerly Twitter) as @flyosity, altered a frame from Zuckerberg's video to add facial hair. Rundle's edited image, portraying Zuckerberg with a beard and a subtle smirk, rapidly went viral, amassing over 2 million views.
The phenomenon escalated when a comparison of Zuckerberg’s original clean-shaven look and the bearded version was posted, with the caption highlighting how dramatically a beard could alter someone's appearance.
The edited beard was so convincing that it sparked widespread commentary across social media platforms, with many users mistakenly believing Zuckerberg had actually changed his look. The image was so popular that it was shared on Instagram by The Shade Room, prompting Zuckerberg to engage with the post himself, humorously commenting, "Okay who did this?”
The playful interaction didn't stop there. Instagram users encouraged Zuckerberg to consider the new look, with comments ranging from supportive to humorous, including one that quipped, "Zuckerberg just went from AI to Ayy."
Zuck Considering To Keep A Beard?
In a nod to the viral moment, Zuckerberg later posted an Instagram Story (which has now disappeared) featuring a razor and a thinking face emoji, hinting at his amusement with the public’s reaction to his 'new' bearded look. He even paired the post with Jack Harlow’s pop number "They Don't Love It," alluding to the public's preference for his rugged, photoshopped persona over his usual clean-shaven appearance.
Priscilla Chan Joins In
The bearded image saga continued as even Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan, joined in on the fun. She shared the edited photo on her Instagram Stories with a playful caption querying the whereabouts of her husband, further fueling the social media frenzy.
Reflecting on the swift transition from AI discussion to beard debate, Rundle noted the quick shift in Zuckerberg's reaction from confusion to contemplation about growing a beard, highlighting the light-hearted nature of the episode.
This unexpected viral moment underscores the power of social media to pivot the public focus from significant tech developments to personal appearances, all spurred by a simple digital edit.