Cass Sunstein has written eloquently and persuasively on the dangers posed by emerging media technologies. Specifically, Sunstein fears that elaborate sorting mechanisms will allow consumers of news “to wall themselves off from topics and opinions that they would prefer to avoid,” to create a personal echo chamber tailored flawlessly to one’s own prejudices and predilections. Despite the proliferation of ever-angrier partisan news outlets, I’m optimistic on this front. The greatest thing about Andrew’s blog, for me, is that readers come spoiling for a fight. The blog infuriates readers, and yet they come back to get enraged all over again. They come to be surprised and engaged and challenged, not to be patronized or coddled. I find that pretty inspiring. Taking the reins these past few days has thus been a humbling, and at times bumbling, experience. We’re very grateful.
— Reihan
The Dish 