In a conversation I had today, two insights were offered that I believe are worth sharing. The first is that, while there is definitely an overall tendency for people to read things that confirm rather than disagree with their convictions, assumptions, and biases, this is less true when it comes to blogs.
The second is an explanation why this might be the case: If you read a book you disagree with, you cannot shout at the author (well, obviously you can, but she or he won’t hear you, and the people around you may question your sanity). But on a blog you can instantly voice your disagreement so that the author and their other readers a exposed to your opinion.
What do others think? Is it true that we are more likely to (regularly) read a blog we disagree with than watch a news show or read a periodical of a similar sort? If so, do you think it is because of the opportunity to make our disagreement heard, and do so instantaneously?
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