The Spiral of silence theory

Crucial points to the theory:

1. People have a fear of being rejected by those in their social environment, which is called "fear of isolation."
2. People are constantly observing the behaviors of those around them, and seeing which gain approval and disapproval from society.
3. People unconsciously issue their own threats of isolation by showing signals of approval or disapproval.
4. Threats of isolation are avoided by a person's tendency to refrain from making a statement about something they think might attract objections.
5. People are more willing to publicly state things that they believe will be accepted positively.
6. The spiral effect begins because when people speak out confidently, the opposition feels a greater sense of fear of isolation and is further convinced to stay silent, since they are in the minority. The feelings continue to grow in either direction exponentially.
7. A strong moral component is necessary for the issue to activate the spiral.
8. If there is a social consensus, the spiral will not be activated. There must be two opposing forces.
9. The mass media has a strong influence on this process.
10. Fear and threat of isolation are subconscious processes.
11. The spiral of silence only "holds a sway" over the public for a limited time.
12. If a topic activates the spiral of silence, this means that the issue is a great threat to social cohesion.

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