Barack Obama tells Prince Harry social media is ‘reinforcing biases’ and can force people to live in ‘entirely different realities’ in swipe at Donald Trump
BARACK Obama has taken a subtle swipe at Donald Trump in his first interview since handing over as President of the United States.
The former President told Prince Harry that social media is stopping normal conversations and encouraged people to meet offline too.
He doesn't name the current President by name, but Mr Trump is an avid user of Twitter, using the medium to broadcast messages to his 11 million followers.
In a special interview today for BBC Radio 4, which the Prince kicked off by playing grime music, Obama said that "one of the dangers of the internet is that people can have entirely different realities. They can be cocooned in information that reinforces their current biases."
He said people in positions of power should exercise care when posting messages online.
"The question has to do with how do we harness this technology in a way that allows a multiplicity of voices, allows a diversity of views, but doesn't lead to a Balkanisation of society and allows ways of finding common ground," he went on.
"Social media is an important tool for people of common interests to get to know each other and connect," he insisted.
"Then it’s important for them to get offline… meet in a pub! Meet at a place of worship, a neighbourhood and get to know each other.
"On the internet everything is simplified. When you meet people face to face, it turns out that people are complicated."
Obama said that feelings he had on the day he handed over to Trump were "mixed with all the work that was still undone."
Looking back on his eight years in charge he added that he had "concerns about how the country moves forward but, you know, overall there was serenity there."
He said that as a former President he "wakes up later" and can "make [his] own decisions" on how he spends his time - but he missed his team and the "satisfaction" of the job.
And now he's out of office he can focus on some of the "long term problems" America and the world have to face - including climate change.
And Harry, who tries to stay out of politics, warned too: "2017 hasn’t exactly been easy for the world, many are worried about the direction it’s going in".
The Prince, who announced his engagement to actress Meghan Markle last month, said of his editing role: "I haven't done that many interviews but it was quite fun, especially interviewing President Obama.
"It's been a big learning curve, but also these are incredibly important topics that I think we all need to think about that need to be discussed and I'm incredibly fortunate to have a platform like this."
The news comes just days after he was asked by Government officials NOT to invite his friend Obama to his wedding.
Harry and fiancée have told aides they want the former US president and wife Michelle at their big day on May 19.
The 33-year-old prince has become good friends with the Obamas since bonding with them during the Invictus Games.
But Britain’s relations with Trump’s White House have sunk to their lowest ebb since his election last year.
Today Harry hinted that he COULD invite Obama to his big day.
The royal admitted that he had become close to the former US President - but stopped short of confirming Obama would get a wedding invite.
Laughing off the question, Prince Harry said: "I don't know about that.
"We haven't even put the invites or the guest list together yet.
"Who knows if he'll be invited yet or not - I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise."
He also said that he had spent a "fantastic" Christmas Day with his fiancée, including for the Sandringham service, saying that his family had "loved having her there".
He said the couple had spent the day with his brother William and sister-in-law Kate, adding they had been "running around with the kids".
Prince Harry added Meghan had fit in well with the royal family's traditions, adding: "She's done an absolutely amazing job."
Prince Harry and Barack Obama quick fire round
The young Royal made the ex-President gives his thoughts on the key issues...
White House Down or Olympus has fallen?
Didn’t see either of them! How can I make a choice?
What do you miss the most - the Cinema or the bowling alley?
Cinema. We call it a movie theatre, but that’s fine.
Boxers or briefs?
Sorry, we don’t answer those questions.
Micheal Jordan or Le Bron James?
Jordan, although I love Lebron, I’m a Chicago guy.
Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner?
Aretha is the best.
Rachel or Monica?
I like Rachel.
Kim or Khloe?
This one I have to, er, defer on…
Harry or William?
William right now.
Titanic or The bodyguard?
Titanic.
Suits or The Good Wife?
Suits, obviously.
Great answer. Cigarettes or gum?
Gum now, baby.
White House or Buckingham Palace?
White House... just because Buckingham Palace looks like it would take a really long time to mow. A lot of upkeep.
Queen or the Queen?
The Queen.
Good answer. The Rock or Chris Rock?
Interesting questions… I like them both.
Slip n slide or electric slide?
Electric slide, that’s my generation.
Your last five dollars… Burger or lottery ticket?
It depends on how good the burger is… but I like a good burger.
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There are deep fears among senior Foreign Office and No10 officials that another perceived national snub will make it impossible for Theresa May to meaningfully engage with Trump.
A senior government source said: “Harry has made it clear he wants the Obamas at the wedding, so it’s causing a lot of nervousness.
“Trump could react very badly if the Obamas get to a Royal wedding before he has had a chance to meet the Queen."