The "Spiral of Silence" Theory

The "Spiral of Silence" theory, developed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, suggests that individuals are less likely to express their opinions if they believe they are in the minority. This fear of isolation or rejection leads people to remain silent, which results in dominant opinions becoming even more pronounced and perceived as majority views. Over time, the silence of dissenting voices creates a feedback loop, reinforcing the belief that there is no support for differing opinions, thus further suppressing those views. Ultimately, this phenomenon can distort public perception and hinder open dialogue in society.