In brief
During a tour in Glasgow, Barack Obama urged audiences to guard against online platforms that amplify anger and fear, stressing that the drift toward extremism is not inevitable. He reminded listeners that social media can mobilize people for good as well as bad, and that a balanced approach to free speech and regulation is essential. Obama linked his message to the need for new institutions that separate fact from misinformation, warning that unchecked AI could weaken democracy. Reflecting on history, he affirmed the enduring truth that hope is an active decision—an idea that resonates with Indigenous teachings of collective responsibility and healing.
Obama says drift towards extremism 'not inevitable'
Barack Obama has told an audience in Glasgow that hope is worth fighting for despite big challenges facing the modern world.
He warned that online platforms have shifted to focus on content that stokes anger and fear, but he believes a drift to extremism is “not inevitable”.
Obama’s comments came while addressing an OVO Hydro crowd of 12,150 people, speaking with journalist Sathnam Sanghera as part of his UK tour.
Controlling misinformation, he said, is crucial; “After World War Two, we set rules because we saw what propaganda can do in the hands of somebody like Hitler,” he noted, recalling how misinformation can incite violence.
In the context of Indigenous traditions, this call to balance freedom of expression with responsibility echoes elders’ teachings about communal truth and respect for shared knowledge.
Obama said the same tech forces that mobilize for democracy or human rights can also fuel hate groups, adding that they “connect people for good, but also for ill”.
He explained that the “reptilian side of our brain” is drawn to anger, fear, resentment and a feeling that someone is out to get you, so much of our information reflects that.
He added that a drift towards extremism is not inevitable, provided leaders act to hold people responsible for propaganda.
Obama emphasised a “critical balance” between free speech and regulation, arguing that new institutions are needed to allow rigorous debate while verifying facts.
He warned that digital information leaks a “not a healthy diet” for our minds, and that AI could make it harder to distinguish truth from falsehood, threatening democracy.
From a DeepRoots perspective, Obama’s insistence on collective responsibility and mutual care aligns with Indigenous values of stewardship and the health of the planet.
