EOTO: Spiral of Silence

 2/18/2022

EOTO: Spiral of Silence

The Spiral of Silence is the idea that if someone has an opinion that is not necessarily in the majority, they will be scared to share it. Thus leading to only the popular opinion being shared, making people think that it is the only opinion that matters. This idea was created by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, a German researcher in the 1960's and 70's. She wrote a whole book about her research on this topic and how it affects our world. We are hardwired to go with the grain when we are uncomfortable in a situation, this discomfort creates the Spiral of Silence, a pattern that is almost impossible to break. 

The implications of this idea, in my opinion, are mostly not very good. When someone has an idea that could help with something going on in society, but is too afraid to share their view, all of us as a whole could suffer. Most people are scared to have different ideas when they do not follow the majority. But on the other hand, it sometimes is good when people keep quiet about an idea or agenda that could harm society. These implications lead to ways that these ideas can influence society as a whole. Listening to people in power can be a good thing, but if they are doing something bad and everyone feels like they are the only one who is having thoughts against that person, they may not speak up, which would lead to a possible disaster. 

This idea affects different segments differently. An example I saw was about the safety of people who might identify with LGBTQ in societies that promote tolerance. Obviously it would be safer for those who identify as LGBTQ to live in a society where the majority is more accepting of them. But if they live in a society where the majority is homophobic, they are less likely to come out and they definitely would not feel safe. This idea is the same for other segments too, anyone who is not in the majority may not feel comfortable sharing their ideas out loud. 

I find the way that it may affect my family and friends very scary. I have no problem sharing my opinion even if it is in the minority, I do not think it is embarrassing to think differently. But, it is very disheartening to think that the people I love could be in a situation where they do not feel comfortable sharing their opinions because it is not what everyone else thinks. Listening to the majority on an issue is just as important as listening to the minority. The difference in opinion is what keeps our society running and functioning. What we need to do is make it more acceptable to share your opinion no matter what. We need to figure out how to make those who are uncomfortable feel like they will not be judged no matter what they think. The Spiral of Silence is an idea that clearly does affect our society today. The best advice I can give on this situation is that if you have an opinion that does not agree with the minority, there is no shame in expressing that feeling you have. Be proud that you are different and always speak your mind so that we can break the Spiral of Silence.