Exploring the Predictors of the Spiral of Silence in Online News Discussions

• In Event: Social Media Resistance and Silence

Abstract

This study examines the Spiral of Silence (SoS) phenomenon in online news comments about the issue of abortion. The results from 530 participants in the experiment primarily substantiate that individuals’ fear of isolation fluctuates by context, supplementing the theoretical gray area left in Noelle-Neumann’s original conceptualization. Moreover, the participants’ contextual fear of isolation, perceived online anonymity, and opinion congruity with other commenters significantly predict their willingness to post their own views. Yet, neither their dispositional fear of isolation nor the influences of the reported poll result and their reference groups emerged as predictors. Study findings offer support for a more comprehensive conceptualization of SoS components operating in cyberspace contexts.

Authors

• Tai-Yee Wu, U of Connecticut

• David J. Atkin, U of Connecticut