How willing are you to read a blog by someone whose ideas you detest? No, not me, I hope, but let's say some rabid right- or left-winger? I was recently at a social function where some nutter was telling all who would listen that there is much evidence that our own government paid the 9/11 terrorists to do their acts. Of course, I couldn’t and wouldn’t listen to such trash, but in Republic.com 2.0 Cass Sunstein makes a very good point on this phenomena. If we just really listen and read those who are more or less like us (and we do, don’t we), our type of democracy may decay even further then it has already.

Sunstein, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, is a real public intellectual. He has written more books than many people have read, and sometimes he repeats himself or brings out new editions. In this book, a revision of his 2001 Republic.com, he is concerned with the political fallout of The Daily Me: the great number of blogs, etc. on the web and the fact that most of us only read a tiny bit of this and then just what we know will confirm us in our beliefs. This can lead to "excessive confidence, extremism, contempt for others, and sometimes even violence." Since so many people only read opinions and news on the web, the situation is getting worse. Sunstein also points out how "cybercascades" can and do occur among the believers of all stripes. This often noxious event happens especially in the absense of deliberative mechanisms. These mechanisms, which were very important to the founding philosophers of this country, are intended to slow down crazy enthusiasms that can sweep through people with horrible consequences.

I know many folks who view the whole blogosphere as an advance of democracy, and maybe it is. Somewhat. But if one filters what one reads, and the web makes this easier then ever before, how is that democratic? Why would anyone but a masochist choose to listen to all the other stuff they can't stand to hear? You have no choice in the U.S. Senate, lets say, because you have to listen in order for yourself to be heard. Same for many meetings, local governments, and other deliberate spaces. But not the web.

There is much more to this provocative book. Sunstein is far from a techophobe or -phile. He's a smart and thoughtful commentator, concerned for our growing isolation amidst so many voices.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Republic.com 2.0 (Hardcover)