Some years ago, AA sent some personnel to Israel to be trained in security profiling. These agents were not used ultimately (I know one who became a Flagship Lounge agent in the USA).

AA now uses ICTS International a Dutch firm founded by former Israeli Shin Bet (internal security) and El Al personnel. IMO, this may be significantly more effective than bored-stiff agents lulled to sleep at the carry-on X-ray screening positions, or the pen-waving boarding pass checkers. (Then again, my perception may be colored by surviving a double EAD terrorist action in Asia and an apparent attempted bombing of a PA flight.)

AA / ICTS are now intensifying screening, given the increased activity and scope of Daesh, Al Qaeda and their brainwashed amateur martyr wannabes. It's quite possible Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, aka "the idiot Nigerian underpants bomber" flying NW, and very likely Richard Reid, aka "the idiot shoe bomber" who attempted to bring down AA 63 (CDG-MIA) on 1 Dec 2001, would have failed the interviews. (He was prevented from boarding the previous day, but allowed to board the second attempt .)

If you'd rather not partake, there are certainly other airlines that don't follow the ICTS enhanced protocol. And this isn't really anything new, it seems to occur sporadically (in response to threats assessments) - I recall an intense AA contract woman at FRA who took her time and asked lots of questions, a man at MAD, etc. over the years.

Personally, I don't mind these things when done purposefully and professionally, which IMO this seems to be. Kind of like El Al...