In brief
Barack Obama spoke to a packed audience of 12,150 people at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, stressing hope in the face of global challenges. He warned that social media now pushes content that stokes fear and anger, but he believes a slide into extremism is not inevitable. Obama reminded listeners that government response to propaganda after World War Two has proven essential to curb misinformation. He urged the construction of new institutions to keep debate rigorous while ensuring people have access to facts. The former president concluded that hope is an active choice, and that the world can improve if we keep fighting for its better future.
Barack Obama stood before a crowd of 12,150 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, urging people to keep hope alive amid the challenges of the modern age.
He warned that the rise of online platforms has shifted toward content that stirs anger, fear and resentment, but he maintains that a move toward extremism is not inevitable.
Recounting the new rules governments adopted after World War Two to counter propaganda, Obama stressed that we must hold those spreading lies accountable, and that this is still a choice we have not abandoned.
He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, balancing free speech with responsible regulation, and called for new institutions that keep debate honest while providing reliable facts.
Obama echoed his famous confidence that hope is an active choice, reminding listeners that history shows that when people believe change is possible, progress does materialise over time.
