Kurt Lewin coined the term "gatekeeping" in 1947 to describe the process by which certain information is filtered out or allowed through channels of mass communication. Gatekeeping refers to the role of individuals, such as editors or website creators, who control access to information and decide what messages or content will be distributed to the public. Gatekeepers can be influenced by their own social, cultural, political, or ethical perspectives, and through gatekeeping certain messages deemed unwanted, inappropriate, or controversial may be prevented from reaching audiences.