In brief
During a 12,150‑strong crowd at the OVO Hydro, Barack Obama emphasised that the world can stay hopeful even as technology and social media increasingly spread anger and fear. He argued that a shift toward extremism is not inevitable, provided governments regulate propaganda and misinformation. Obama reminded listeners of his 2008 campaign promise that social media could be a beacon of hope, but urged a balanced approach that protects free speech while preventing disinformation. He also reflected on historical lessons, warning that society often forgets the dangers of hate‑filled rhetoric. The former president called for stronger institutions that allow rigorous debate and help people discern facts, especially as AI blurs the line between truth and fabrication.
On Thursday, former U.S. President Barack Obama stood before 12,150 people at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, addressing an audience that had gathered for a series of talks across the UK. The former president cautioned that the internet, and especially social media, has shifted toward content that stokes anger, fear and resentment – a trend that could pave the way for extremism. He stressed that this drift is not inevitable, provided that governments enforce rules that counter propaganda and misinformation.
Recollecting his 2008 campaign, Obama recalled how he saw social media as a beacon of hope, capable of uniting people around democracy and human rights. He warned, however, that the same technologies can spread hate. The human brain, he said, is wired to respond to threats, and platforms that feed those emotions only amplify them. Consequently, a large portion of online information today is shaped by anger and fear.
The former president also highlighted the need for a critical balance between free speech and regulation. He argued that the world must create new mechanisms to encourage rigorous debate while helping citizens verify facts. In a world where artificial intelligence can blur truth from falsehood, such safeguards are essential to democratic resilience.
Obama reflected on history, stressing that people often forget lessons from past conflicts. He urged that rhetoric from public officials that feeds hate or scapegoats minorities is dangerous. By remembering historical consequences and embracing hope as an active choice, he believed societies could overcome intolerance and foster a healthier outlook.
Speaking to the audience, the former president reiterated that hope remains worth fighting for, even as the world faces enormous challenges. The message was clear: unity, informed debate, and vigilance against misinformation are key to a hopeful future.
