One of the most eye-opening presentations during EOTO 2 focused on gatekeeping and echo chambers, two concepts that play a huge role in shaping the way we consume information. The internet is often thought of as a place where everyone has a voice, but in reality, much of what we see is filtered, sometimes in ways we don’t even notice.
The discussion on gatekeeping really made me reconsider how much influence a small group of people, and even algorithms, have over the information that reaches us. Traditionally, gatekeepers were journalists, editors, and media executives who decided what was considered important news. Today, that role has expanded to include social media platforms, algorithms, and influencers, all of whom determine what content is promoted and what gets buried.
A great example the team brought up was how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter use algorithms to decide which posts gain traction. While these systems are designed to keep us engaged, they don’t always highlight the most important stories, they prioritize whatever generates the most clicks, shares, and ad revenue. In some cases, this means corporate or political interests influence what information gets the most visibility, whether we realize it or not. It’s unsettling to think about how much of the online world is curated for us, rather than being an open exchange of ideas.
Another major takeaway was the idea of echo chambers, where people mostly engage with content that aligns with their existing beliefs. Social media platforms encourage this by showing us posts that reflect what we already like, making it easy to stay within a bubble of similar viewpoints.
This got me thinking about how two people can have completely different perceptions of the same event. If someone only follows conservative news, their understanding of an issue will be drastically different from someone who primarily consumes liberal media. This divide isn’t just about politics, it applies to topics like science, health, and even pop culture.
One of the examples the team gave was the COVID-19 pandemic, where social media created extremely polarized echo chambers. People who distrusted the government mainly saw content reinforcing their skepticism, while those who supported strict regulations rarely encountered opposing views. Instead of fostering discussion, these echo chambers made it easier for each side to dismiss the other entirely.
Another interesting point the team made was about online influencers as modern gatekeepers. Unlike traditional media figures, influencers don’t always have formal training in journalism or ethics, yet they shape public opinion just as much, if not more, than news outlets. Whether it’s a beauty YouTuber, a TikTok commentator, or a political streamer, these figures build massive followings and hold significant power over what people believe.
The team highlighted how influencers often feed into echo chambers by telling their audience exactly what they want to hear. If an influencer builds their brand on challenging mainstream narratives, they’re unlikely to present balanced viewpoints, doing so could alienate their followers. This reinforces existing biases and makes it even harder for people to step outside their digital bubbles.
This presentation really made me reflect on how much of my own online experience is shaped by gatekeeping and echo chambers. The internet was supposed to create more access to diverse perspectives, but in many ways, it has just introduced new types of gatekeepers, social media companies, algorithms, and influencers who control the flow of information.
So, how do we avoid getting trapped in this cycle? The team emphasized the importance of actively seeking out different perspectives, questioning our sources, and being aware of how platforms shape our online experiences. Instead of passively accepting whatever content is pushed our way, we need to make a conscious effort to engage with opposing viewpoints and challenge our own biases.
This presentation changed the way I think about my media consumption. Moving forward, I’ll be paying closer attention to who controls the content I see, and making sure I’m not just stuck in a loop of the same ideas.
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