How public opinion silences us and what can be done about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The case when the principle "one in the field is not a warrior" only hurts.

People can often catch themselves thinking that they are not saying what they think, avoiding speaking out on controversial issues, or even hiding their true views.

In the social sciences, there is a special term - "spiral of silence", which explains one of the possible reasons for this behavior. It was introduced by the famous German researcher in the field of political science, sociology and mass communications Elisabeth Noel-Neumann in the 1960s and 1970s.

According to theory, the lower the expected response an idea can cause, the weaker it will sound. As a result, such a point of view will naturally not become widely accepted, and its former supporters will begin to publicly express a different opinion. Conversely, even a less common concept can become universal if people initially believe in its popularity.

The analogy with the spiral in the description of the theory is used to visually indicate it. At the end of the spiral, there are people who do not express their opinions publicly out of fear of isolation. The more a person's opinion does not coincide with what is considered generally accepted, the lower in the spiral this person is located.

This is how public opinion is created in areas related to morality and ethics, and it concerns mainly controversial issues. For example, the permissibility of abortion or the legality of total surveillance of citizens.

Why people may be afraid to voice their opinions

For fear of rejection. We are afraid of losing the affection of loved ones due to a mismatch of views, as well as becoming unpopular in society or a certain social group. Some generally foresee ridicule, direct threats, and social isolation.

In order not to be in the minority, people first evaluate any opinion in terms of popularity. Moreover, such an analysis is based not on statistics or survey results, but on abstract reasoning about what “everyone knows” or “everyone shares”. That is, people can ascribe some ideas to the whole society, proceeding from communication with loved ones and relying on the statements of opinion leaders and mentions in the media.

The latter are especially important. They spread certain points of view and bypass others. Accordingly, make ideas popular or unpopular. Moreover, each site or channel has an audience that is waiting for certain content. And the media adapts to readers or viewers.

Why the spiral of silence is dangerous

It harms not only individuals, but society as a whole.

A person begins to change his behavior, regardless of beliefs

This is one of the main consequences of the spiral of silence. People stop expressing their real opinions on controversial issues publicly. For example, don't talk about politics with family, friends, or colleagues.

Another example of adjusting to public opinion is the 1965 elections in Germany. For the two main competitors, the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, approximately the same number of voters was going to vote - 45% each. But closer to the elections in German society, the idea that the first would win began to grow stronger. They campaigned more widely and were more active in the media. As a result, most of the doubting voters went over to the side of the Christian Democrats. And the party defeated the socialists by a margin of 48 to 39%. In assessing these events, the concept of a spiral of silence was first proposed - the researchers did not succeed in explaining the phenomenon of an unexpected change of opinion in another way.

Dialogue disappears

The majority are beginning to believe that their point of view is shared by everyone, or almost everyone. Therefore, they express it more confidently and actively. Those who are in the minority, on the contrary, think that no one supports their opinion. As a result, they take a more restrained position or are completely silent. And the discussion is interrupted. One point of view prevails, and the minority, even if it has many supporters, puts up with this state of affairs. This can lead to resentment or harassment in the future.

A false sense of consensus arises

The spiral of silence is directly related to our perception. Therefore, as strange as it may sound, an active minority can even impose their opinion on the silent majority. Media activity plays a key role here, as well as the confidence and persistence of the speakers. If the latter will be flashed everywhere, then the less common point of view will begin to be perceived as the most popular. And already the real majority will have a fear of being in the minority. As a result, people will be forced to hide their own views and submit to a group of activists. And in society there will be a false sense of agreement of everyone with everyone: after all, no one argues with a less common position.

How to deal with the spiral of silence

Here are some basic ways.

Don't be afraid to stick to your opinion

According to Noel-Neumann, the spiral of silence is possible not only when a popular point of view is heard from every iron. Another important component is the lack of open opponents.

Of course, you don't have to turn into the vanguard of bold ideas and go against everyone else. But you have the right to stick to your position and express it publicly. The main thing is that you do not break the law and respect the right of other people to the opposite opinion.

Find like-minded people

If there are no people among your family and friends who share your views, try to find allies elsewhere. With their help, you will cease to be afraid of ostracism. And you will also know that you are not alone in your opinion.

In your search, the Internet can help, where you will probably find people with similar opinions. Explore thematic forums, comments under the articles. Just keep in mind: the spiral of silence also exists on the World Wide Web.

Think critically

Filter information and check it. Do not trust everything that the media says and writes about. After all, journalists are also subject to a spiral of silence. Try to get acquainted with the opposite point of view, even if it makes you reject it. Critically evaluate the statements that are presented as common knowledge. After all, the latter may well turn out to be not generally recognized at all.

Stand your ground

Say not what they want to hear from you, but what you think yourself. This is the only way to be yourself.