This article speaks to the importance of creating safe spaces to enable all voices can be heard. The spiral of silence is a feedback loop that makes minority opinions less visible because there is positive reinforcement for voicing majority opinions and negative reinforcement for those less popular. As social beings, we are aware of the consequences of expressing unpopular opinions; however, if we want to solicit honest feedback from colleagues and get to the bottom of what people really think, we have to find ways to remove the negative consequences of voicing unpopular opinions. This article outlines how the spiral of silence works and discusses the implications of its reinforcement.
The Spiral of Silence
Our desire to fit in with others means we don’t always say what we think. We only express opinions that seem safe. Here’s how the spiral of silence works and how we can discover what people really think. *** Be honest: How often do you feel as if you’re really able to express your true opinions without fearing judgment?
