Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study examines the Spiral of Silence (SoS) phenomenon in online news discussions under the mechanism of online news comments about the issue of abortion. The results from 530 participants in the experiment primarily substantiate that individuals’ fear of isolation fluctuates by context, supplementing the theoretical gray area left in Noelle-Neumann’s original conceptualization. Moreover, the participants’ contextual fear of isolation, perceived online anonymity, opinion congruity with other commenters, and issue involvement significantly predict their willingness to post their own views. Yet, neither their dispositional fear of isolation nor the influence of the media-reported poll results emerged as predictors. The research findings offer support for a more comprehensive conceptualization of SoS components operating in cyberspace contexts.
Author: Tai-Yee Wu
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2621140253