BARACK OBAMA made a subtle dig at Donald Trump during an interview with Prince Harry as he said social media “reinforces biases” and leads to "different realities".
Prince Harry took over BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday as guest editor, interviewing Barack Obama and also being interviewed by presenter Sarah Montague.
Barack Obama said social media has “corroded civil discourse" and halts everyday conversations, encouraging people to instead talk at social areas such as a pub or a place of worship.
Mr Obama does not mention Donald Trump by name, who is notorious for his Twitter posts, but said those in leadership have to be wary of what is posted online.
The former US President said social media users need to find a common ground. He said: ”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 our society but rather continues to promote ways of finding common ground.”
Mr Obama went on to say one of the dangers of the Internet is that people can have “entirely different realities”. He said: “They can be cocooned in information that reinforces their current biases.
“Social media is a really powerful tool for people of common interests to convene and get to know each other and connect. But then it is important for them to get offline.”
The former US President said things “aren’t as simple as has been portrayed” on the Internet. He said: “It is also harder to be as obnoxious and cruel in person as people can be anonymously on the internet.”
Prince Harry then branded Mr Obama as the first social media president.
Mr Obama said there was “work still undone” as he described the mixed feelings on the day he handed power over to Donald Trump.
He said: “Concerns about how the country moves forward but, you know, overall there was serenity there."
Prince Harry later dodged a question about whether he will invite Mr Obama to his wedding and how that might affect diplomatic relations with President Trump.
He said he was determined 2018 would be a "fantastic year". He said: "For me, post-Christmas, at this time of year, I just hope everyone out there has had a chance to just think about the things that really matter and the difference that every single one of us can make."