The ongoing rivalry between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg took a new twist recently when a video of the Meta CEO surfing went viral. In the clip, Zuckerberg is seen riding a hydrofoil surfboard, waving an American flag, and sipping beer, all while dressed in a tuxedo. The video, posted on Facebook and Instagram, was meant to celebrate the Fourth of July. However, it quickly drew a sharp response from Musk, who took to his platform, X, to express his disdain. “May he continue to have fun on his yachts. I prefer to work,” Musk quipped.
This exchange is just the latest in a series of public spats between the two tech moguls. Their rivalry has been ongoing, with both men frequently trading barbs. Musk recently reignited interest in a potential cage fight between them, stating he was ready to fight “anywhere, anytime with any rules.” Zuckerberg, on the other hand, has expressed skepticism about Musk’s seriousness regarding the challenge. Last August, he mentioned that it was “time to move on” since Musk seemed not to be serious about setting a real date and official event for the fight.
The feud between Musk and Zuckerberg extends beyond personal jabs and into their business ventures. Meta’s launch of Threads, a social media platform designed to compete with Musk’s X, has added fuel to the fire. Threads, which promises a “less angry” feed compared to X, has seen significant growth, boasting over 175 million monthly users. This growth comes as the platform approaches its one-year anniversary, marking a notable milestone in its competition with X.
Zuckerberg’s viral video is not his first foray into patriotic stunts. In 2021, he posted a similar video of himself riding a hydrofoil while holding an American flag. This year’s video, however, added an extra layer of spectacle with the tuxedo, sunglasses, and beer. The choice of music for the video, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” also drew attention. The song, often misunderstood as a patriotic anthem, actually critiques the treatment of Vietnam War veterans, adding a layer of irony to Zuckerberg’s post.
Musk’s response to Zuckerberg’s video is consistent with his previous comments about other tech billionaires. In 2021, he made a similar remark about Jeff Bezos, suggesting that Bezos should spend more time on his rocket company, Blue Origin, and less time relaxing. Despite his criticism of others, Musk is no stranger to leisure activities himself. In July 2022, he was spotted on a yacht in Mykonos, Greece, with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and his wife, Sarah Staudinger. Musk even joked about the outing on X, saying, “Haha damn, maybe I should take off my shirt more often … free the nip!! (already back in the factory btw).”
Musk’s disdain for vacations is well-documented. He has often stated that he hates taking time off, citing past experiences where significant setbacks occurred during his absences. In 2000, he contracted malaria while vacationing in South Africa, a trip he took after being ousted as PayPal CEO. He has also mentioned that during his rare vacations, critical failures happened, such as rocket explosions, reinforcing his belief that he should not take time off.
As Zuckerberg continues to enjoy his time on the lake, his business ventures are also making headlines. His sprawling 10-acre estate on the west shore of Lake Tahoe is under construction, adding to his list of luxurious properties. Meanwhile, Threads is considering the introduction of advertisements as it continues to grow and compete with X. The platform’s promise of a “less angry” feed has resonated with users, contributing to its rapid growth.
The rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg is not just a clash of personalities but also a competition between their respective companies. As they continue to innovate and expand their empires, their public exchanges provide a glimpse into the competitive nature of the tech industry. Whether it’s through viral videos or business ventures, both men are constantly in the spotlight, capturing the public’s attention with their actions and words.
In conclusion, Mark Zuckerberg’s viral surfing video and Elon Musk’s subsequent response highlight the ongoing rivalry between the two tech giants. Their public exchanges, combined with their business ventures, continue to captivate audiences and fuel speculation about their next moves. As they navigate their respective paths, the world watches with keen interest, eager to see what the future holds for these influential figures.
Source: Live Mint, Business Insider, PA Media/dpa
