selitesanan

Selitesanan is a neologism used in media studies to describe a pattern where elite actors curate and disseminate narratives to shape public discourse. The term emphasizes how a small, privileged group can guide information flows through traditional media, corporate partnerships, and algorithmic amplification on social platforms. Practices linked to selitesanan include selective sourcing, issue framing, voice prioritization, and strategic timing to enhance legitimacy.

Origin and etymology: The term is recent and not universally standardized. It appears in Southeast Asian media criticism in the early 2020s. It seems to blend the English word “elite” with a local suffix forming a noun that denotes a condition or practice. The exact coinage is unclear, but the concept has gained traction as shorthand for elite-driven discourse management.

Scope and mechanisms: Analyses place selitesanan in political communication, corporate public relations, and celebrity-influenced culture. Mechanisms include gatekeeping of sources, framing that promotes stability, and cross-platform coordination among outlets and influential figures. It is discussed alongside agenda setting, platform capitalism, and influencer networks.

Critique and implications: Some see value in recognizing selitesanan to explain persistent narratives and coordinated campaigns. Critics warn it risks suppressing dissent, marginalizing voices, and obscuring accountability for misinformation. Debates focus on remedies such as transparency, diverse sourcing, and reforms in platform design.

See also: agenda setting, gatekeeping, propaganda, platform capitalism, media literacy.