EOTO #2 Theorie Gatekeeping and Agenda Setting // #8

Gatekeeping and Agenda Setting

The ideas of gatekeeping and agenda-setting are significantly affecting the stories we see on a daily basis. For me, this shapes my understanding of the world. For example, as a college student, I see how algorithms filter what news I encounter. Despite their theoretical sound, these concepts have a significant impact on public opinion and many more. Gatekeeping refers to the process of filtering information before it reaches the public. This can occur across various occasions, such as publication, broadcasting, the internet, or any other communication platform. 

The phrase, “no one likes a gatekeeper,” means exactly the way it sounds. If someone was gatekeeping information from you, it's extremely messed up. So overall, gatekeepers decide what information gets shared and what doesn't. Now, let's look at agenda setting. Agenda-setting is how media and influential figures determine which topics should be considered important. This influences public priorities by repeatedly covering certain issues, even if they might not be of immediate concern. An example of agenda setting is when the media is covering an election, and all media platforms and channels are covering it. The election is an important topic the media is putting light on and consistently covering it. 

The two concepts are closely linked. Gatekeeping lays the groundwork for agenda setting because it determines which information sees the public. Once the information is selected, agenda setting takes over by deciding how much focus that topic will get. For example, if media gatekeepers choose to highlight an election, agenda setting will ensure that the election remains a primary focus in the news, affecting how much attention the issue receives.

Gatekeeping and agenda setting have both positive and negative aspects. In a positive way, in our society, gatekeeping filters information from spreading and makes sure the public receives the correct information. Agenda setting can bring to light significant issues we see, such as public health concerns, inspiring people to take action and participate in meaningful discussions. However, there are also major downsides. 

When looking at this topic, I saw how gatekeeping has a tendency to keep out different viewpoints, particularly those of marginalized groups. Even if they don't want to, decisions made by the same individuals or groups that hold the majority of the information may be biased. Setting the agenda can also influence the people around us and our own goals. By focusing too much on other topics and ignoring others, the media can create a misleading idea of what really matters. 

Gatekeeping plays a key role in controlling what information the public has access to. It decides which issues are made visible and which are hidden, and this greatly impacts how the public forms opinions. I personally do not like this because it is scary to not receive all the right information.

By selecting specific topics to cover, gatekeepers influence public perceptions and may limit the range of diverse voices, especially those from marginalized communities.

On the other hand, agenda-setting influences what use in the world pays attention to. The article explains that by prioritizing certain topics, the media steers public focus toward specific issues or events. This can have significant consequences, as it shapes public opinion and can even affect decision-making at the policy level. For instance, when certain topics are consistently highlighted, it creates a sense of urgency around them, prompting leaders and others to take action. This process helps set societal priorities, whether it’s a health crisis, a social justice issue, or an economic concern.