Gatekeeper in the Digital Communication and Media Environment and its Contribution to Preserving Intellectual Security

Abstract

The gatekeeper concept receives attention given Internet-introduced changes to the communication environment - multiplied media means, diversified practices, emerged phenomena. This open, accessible digital space features public participation in current event/issue discussions. However, threatening, misguided ideas also occur, negatively impacting people's lives, beliefs, morals, values, principles, especially among digitally-addicted children, youth. Hence, we address the gatekeeper-intellectual security relationship based on the gatekeeper's known roles in guarding, monitoring, selecting communication/media content to preserve the public from transgressions and threats. Using qualitative methodology, interviews were conducted with ten academics about the gatekeeper's digital environment definition, attributes, traditional vs. digital differences; intellectual security threat types/forms; gatekeeper contribution to preserving intellectual security; and obstacles and artificial intelligence challenges. Specialists highlighted similarities in traditional and digital gatekeeper definitions, roles, tasks but noted updated digital mechanisms are required per new environment characteristics. Complementary forms occur from journalists to algorithms. Communication/media legislation plays a content monitoring, violation confrontation, intellectual security preservation role. Attributes like objectivity, honesty, integrity and ethical commitment are vital for effective roles. Varied threats negatively affect individuals, groups, societies, nations. Saudi Arabia uses an integrated strategy involving specialized parties to combat intellectual security threats. Included recommendations for evolving intellectual security-related gatekeeper scientific theories, research benefit, academic involvement, gatekeeper technological/legislative updating, user framing to aide gatekeepers, collaborative global efforts, awareness raising, and provision of capabilities to optimize gatekeeper roles.