Gatekeeping

Definition

Gatekeeping is the process through which information, resources, or opportunities are filtered and controlled by individuals or groups, determining what is shared with the public and what remains restricted. This concept often plays a crucial role in professional settings where specific jargon and specialized knowledge create barriers to understanding for outsiders, effectively shaping the narratives and perceptions of various fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gatekeeping often occurs in media, where editors and producers decide which stories are published or broadcasted, influencing public perception.
2. In professional contexts, gatekeeping can limit access to critical information, making it essential for individuals to understand industry-specific terminology to communicate effectively.
3. This process can lead to exclusion, as those not familiar with the jargon may find it challenging to participate fully in discussions or decision-making.
4. Gatekeeping can impact diversity within professions by privileging certain voices and perspectives while marginalizing others that may not conform to established norms.
5. Technology has changed the landscape of gatekeeping; while traditional gatekeepers had more control, social media has allowed individuals to bypass some of these filters and share information more freely.

Review Questions

• How does gatekeeping function in media contexts and what impact does it have on public perception?
  • In media contexts, gatekeeping functions through editors and producers who determine which news stories get coverage. This selection process shapes public perception by highlighting certain narratives while ignoring others. Consequently, the information that audiences receive is filtered through these gatekeepers, which can lead to biased understandings of events or issues depending on what is prioritized for dissemination.
• Discuss the relationship between gatekeeping and professional jargon in specific industries. How does jargon serve as a tool for gatekeeping?
  • Professional jargon serves as a tool for gatekeeping by creating barriers that only those within the industry can navigate easily. This specialized language can alienate outsiders and limit their access to discussions or knowledge within that field. As a result, gatekeeping reinforces existing hierarchies and restricts participation from those who may not be familiar with the terminology, perpetuating exclusivity in professional environments.
• Evaluate the effects of digital media on traditional gatekeeping processes. In what ways has this shift altered the dynamics of information dissemination?
  • The rise of digital media has significantly altered traditional gatekeeping processes by allowing individuals to bypass established filters set by editors and producers. Social media platforms enable anyone to share information without approval from traditional gatekeepers, which democratizes content creation but also raises concerns about misinformation. This shift has changed dynamics by empowering marginalized voices and enabling grassroots movements, but it also complicates how we evaluate the credibility of information in an age where anyone can publish their perspective.

Related terms

Professional Jargon: Specialized language used within a particular profession or industry that can create barriers to communication for those outside the field.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information considered objectionable or harmful by an authority.

Access Control: The methods used to determine who is allowed to enter a system or area, which can also refer to the information that is available to certain groups.