Mass Media and Political Outspokenness in Hong Kong: Linking the Third-Person Effect and the Spiral of Silence

In: International journal of public opinion research, Band 8, Heft 2, S. 187-212

Abstract

Assesses whether there is a relationship between the third-person effect (overestimation of media effects on other people) & the spiral of silence (reluctance to voice a personal opinion that differs from the perceived majority opinion) in the context of public opinion regarding the Sino-British dispute over Hong Kong's political future. Telephone survey data (Nov 1993) from 660 respondents in Hong Kong show that estimates of media influence on others were consistently higher than estimates of media influence on self, & politically unconcerned respondents were less willing to voice their political opinions publicly when they perceived them to be different from the majority opinion. The data also confirm that the third-person effect indirectly influences the spiral of silence process through its impact on perceptions of public opinion. 4 Tables, 2 Figures, 33 References. Adapted from the source document.