Effects of spiral of silence and message civility on modes of opinion expression on Facebook

Authors
Alex Zhang Meng Ren, Ko Sheng Wei Jeremy, Low Wei Xiang & Tan Su Yi Kay

Supervisors
Asst Prof Natalie Pang & Asst Prof Shirley Ho Soo Yee

Year
2014

Abstract

This study investigates aspects of Spiral of Silence theory and message civility in the social networking site, Facebook. Social media now also allows for more forms of opinion expression than before. Facebook, for example, allows users to click ‘like’ on posts and comments, as well as share content with just the click of the mouse. These new modes of expression could allow for content on social media to go viral easier and quicker than in traditional settings, where expression is mainly restricted to written or spoken words. This fast-growing phenomenon has important repercussions, including its potential impacts on social cohesion in Singapore.

Click link to view
http://hdl.handle.net/10356/59850