Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann was a German political scientist who developed the "Spiral of Silence" theory. This idea explains how people may withhold their opinions if they believe they are in the minority, out of fear of social isolation or rejection. As more individuals stay silent, the dominant opinion appears stronger, reinforcing the cycle. This concept helps us understand why certain ideas gain or lose prominence in society and how public opinion can be shaped by perceptions of what others think. It highlights the power of social pressure in influencing individual expression and the dynamics of public discourse.