Spiral of Silence is an innovative theory of public opinion, developed in the 1970's by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann.her claim is more extreme than the other strong effects theories. She considers public opinion a tangible force that controls people's decisions. The media not only shape reality, it can also create a new reality. The phrase "spiral of silence" actually refers to how people tend to remain silent when they feel that their views are in the minority. Noelle-Neumann blames the spiral of silence on fear of isolation. In other words, people who feel that they are in the minority, keep quiet because they fear ridicule from the majority. She gives a clear explanation on when and why people speak out and when they decide to keep their mouths shut: "Individuals who...notice that their own personal opinion is spreading and is taken over by others, will voice this opinion self-confidently in public. On the other hand, individuals who notice that their own opinions are losing ground will be inclined to adopt a more reserved attitude." Everyone has been in a position where their opinion has been in the minority. People will be unwilling to publicly express their opinion if they believe they are in the minority. They will also be more vocal if they believe they are a part of the majority. Thus, the more marginalized you become, the less you speak and so spiral into a fully marginal position. The Spiral of Silence is a model of why people are unwilling to publicly express their opinions when they believe they are in the minority. The model is based on three premises: people have a "quasi-statistical organ," a sixth-sense if you will, which allows them to know the prevailing public opinion, even without access to polls,
people have a fear of isolation and know what behaviors will increase their likelihood of being socially isolated, and
People are reticent to express their minority views,...