What is gatekeeping? 

Gatekeeping is when you control who gets access to something. It’s like being a bouncer at a club, deciding who can come in. On social media, you might see gatekeeping in fan communities or niche groups. 

People who gatekeep try to keep others out. They might say things like: 

  • “You’re not a real fan if…” 
  • “You can’t join unless you…” 

Gatekeeping can happen with: 

  • Information
  • Resources
  • Opportunities
  • Communities

It’s not always bad, but it can make people feel left out. On social platforms, you might see gatekeeping in comments, posts, or group rules. 

How does gatekeeping work on social media? 

On social media, gatekeeping happens in many ways. You might see it when platforms decide what content shows up in your feed. Algorithms pick and choose what you see based on your likes and interactions. 

Social media creators act as gatekeepers too. They control what gets shared with their followers. Big accounts can start or stop trends just by posting about them. 

Sometimes, gatekeeping means keeping people out. Private groups and invite-only platforms limit who can join the conversation. This can create exclusive communities or echo chambers. 

Moderation is another form of gatekeeping. Social media managers and automated systems remove posts that break rules. This shapes what content stays visible on the platform. 

Why is gatekeeping a concern? 

Gatekeeping can be a real problem on social media. When people act as gatekeepers, they might keep you from joining conversations or communities. This limits diversity and fresh ideas. 

You may feel left out or discouraged if gatekeepers block your participation. It can create an exclusive environment where only certain voices get heard. 

Gatekeepers often make decisions about what info gets shared. This can lead to biased or limited perspectives reaching you online. 

While some gatekeeping aims to maintain quality, it often does more harm than good. It can stifle creativity and prevent new talent from emerging in online spaces. 

Ultimately, gatekeeping goes against the open spirit of social media. Platforms work best when everyone can contribute their unique voice and experiences.