Determining the truthfulness of information found online can be challenging, as the internet contains a vast amount of content with varying degrees of accuracy. The accuracy and reliability of online information depend on various factors, including the sources, the context, and the credibility of the websites or authors.
When the Net became popularized in the early nineties the word “gatekeeper” became a thing. A gatekeeper is someone or something that controls access to a particular domain, information, opportunity, or resource. In various contexts, gatekeepers can have different roles and functions. Think editors.
To be your own gatekeeper means to take control and responsibility for the information, opportunities, and choices that enter your life. It involves being discerning and critical in evaluating what you allow into your mind, the people you associate with, the opportunities you pursue, and the beliefs and values you hold.
Being your own gatekeeper requires developing a strong sense of self-awareness and consciously filtering out negative influences or distractions that can hinder your growth, success, or well-being. It means actively seeking knowledge, seeking out diverse perspectives, and making informed decisions based on your own judgment and values.
Free speech is the issue here, but you must be able to separate the truth from the falsehoods. And yes, that is more difficult than buying a paper or watching a news channel and devouring what is being said at face value. Personally, I feel it is worth it.
Ultimately, being your own gatekeeper is about taking ownership of your life, developing a strong sense of autonomy, and ensuring that you are in control of the narratives, opportunities, and experiences that shape your journey.