Former U.S. President Barack Obama has warned
against the irresponsible use of social media.
The remarks came in a BBC interview with Britain's
Prince Harry aired on Wednesday, his first
interview since leaving the White House in
January.
Ro Aram has the details.
In what is seen as a dig at his successor
and prolific tweeter Donald Trump, Obama warned
that irresponsible use of social media could
distort people's understanding of complex
issues, and spread misinformation.
(English) Reuters Edit No3131
"One of the dangers of the Internet is that
people can have entirely different realities
they can be just cocooned in information that
reinforces their current biases.
The truth is that on the Internet everything
is simplified and when you meet people face
to face it turns out they're complicated."
Obama didn’t go so far as to completely
condemn social media, noting that it should
be used to promote diverse views in a way
that "doesn't lead to a Balkanization of society."
He added that social media is also a powerful
tool for people of common interest to convene
and get to know each other and connect.
When Prince Harry asked Obama what was running
through his mind when he handed power over
to President Trump, this is what he had to
say.
(English) Reuters Edit No3120
""We hadn't fundamentally changed.
I think was a satisfying feeling, that was
mixed with all the work that was still undone
and concerns about how the country moves forward."
Obama also paid tribute to the support of
his family, especially his wife Michelle.
After the interview, meanwhile, Prince Harry
was asked by the BBC whether he would invite
the Obamas to his wedding next year with American
actress Meghan Markle.
He said the guest list is not yet finalized.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.
