In brief
Former U.S. President Barack Obama addressed a packed crowd in Glasgow to champion hope and warn against online extremism. He said that while social media feeds anger and fear, a drift toward extremism is not inevitable. Drawing on history, he urged a balanced mix of free speech and regulation to keep democracy functioning in an AI‑driven age. He stressed that remembering past mistakes and choosing hope are essential to moving society forward.
Barack Obama met a packed crowd at Glasgow's OVO Hydro to champion hope and warn against online extremism.
The former U.S. President insisted that although social media increasingly fuels anger and fear, a drift toward extremism is not inevitable.
He reminded the audience that the same digital tools that empower democracy can also be weaponised by hate groups, describing them as a “reptilian side” that gravitates to hostile content.
Drawing on history, Obama said that after World War II governments enacted rules to curb propaganda, and that similar measures are now needed to handle misinformation and the rising influence of AI.
He urged a critical balance between free speech and regulation, arguing that only a clear framework can protect factual debate and keep democracy healthy.
During his talk, he also addressed the importance of remembering past mistakes, stressing that hope is an active choice that keeps society moving forward.
