Is the traditional gatekeeper theory failing

The traditional gatekeeper theory is not invalid. In the new media environment, although the mode of communication and the pattern of communication have changed, the gatekeeper theory is still of great significance.

Gatekeeper theory was pioneered by Lewin, an American social psychologist and one of the four pioneers of communication. In his article "Channels of Group Life", he first proposed the term "gatekeeping". He believed that in the study of group communication there are some "gate areas", which have a filtering effect on information. In this theory, the role of gatekeepers or gatekeepers is emphasized. Their presence allows them to screen, filter and process information to ensure its legitimacy, appropriateness and usefulness.

In the current media environment, although the ways and means of information dissemination have changed dramatically, the role of gatekeepers still exists. For example, in the process of news production and dissemination, journalists, editors, and hosts play the role of gatekeepers, screening, filtering, and processing news information to determine the content of information that is ultimately presented to the public. In addition, a series of information screening and filtering mechanisms, such as algorithms and recommendation systems, also exist on social media and other online platforms, which play the role of gatekeeper to a certain extent.

Thus, the traditional gatekeeper theory is not invalid. Although the mode and pattern of information dissemination have changed in the new media environment, the role of gatekeeper still exists and has an important impact on the quality and effect of information dissemination.