A craving for instant feedback has created a commentariat with little regard for truth

There is a current obsession in the Irish media with securing instant online reaction from readers and audiences. I am by no means convinced that online comment by readers of online newspapers add anything at all to the quality of the journalism or to the enjoyment of the reader. Nor does it add revenue. But most newspapers feel compelled to pander to this dubious interaction online. Why?

Generally speaking, I find that instant ...