Spiral of Silence
The phrase "spiral of silence" actually
refers to how people tend to remain silent when they feel that their views are
in the minority. Whitman
on Noelle-Neumann, 2005
Consonance/ Individual estimates (Tan)
Central Assumptions:
Spiral of Silence
One's perception of the distribution of public opinion influences one's
willingness to express opinions.
Whitman
Central Assumptions: Spiral of Silence
The spiral of silence demonstrates why people are unwilling to express
their opinions (publicly) when they are not believed to be in the majority.
Whitman
Central Assumptions: Spiral of Silence
People feel an increasing pressure to conceal their views and opinions
when they believe they are in minority.
Whitman
Central Assumptions: Spiral of Silence
Individuals perceptions of the opinions of others is a critical factor in
determining their willingness to express those opinions.
Whitman
Why do people speak or dont
speak
Open mouth insert foot
Close mouth remain suppressed
Degree of convictions
Public Opinion
Depends on who talks and who keeps quiet
Peer pressure
Changing public opinion
Spiral of Silence
Powerful Media claim by Noelle-Neumann (1973)
Characteristics of the news
media
Ubiquity:
Cumulation
Consonance
Explanations about Consonance
Concurring assumptions and experiences
Confirmation of journalists own opinions
Same source use
Journalist watch each other
Seeking acceptance among journalist
Uniformity of news
Criticism and critique
Katzs (1983)
Salmon & Kline (1985)
Glynn & McLeod (1985)
Strengths and Weaknesses Spiral of Silence
Baran and Davis (2003)
Noelle-Nuemann responds to criticism
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