Spiral of Silence
Elisabeth Noelle-Nuemann
Mass Communication—Media Effects
Intercultural Communication
Theory Overview (7th Edition)
Abstracts appear in Appendix A of the text
People live in perpetual fear of isolating themselves and carefully monitor public opinion to see which views are acceptable. When their opinions appear out of favor, they keep silent. Television's constant repetition of a single point of view biases perception of public opinion and accelerates the spiral of silence. (Socio-psychological tradition)