Digitalization of communication and the spiral of silence theory

Abstract

This article discusses the issue of the influence of digital technologies on manifestations and transformation of the spiral of silence phenomenon. An analysis is given on the role of the Internet as a public sphere, and the results of recent researches on the spiral of silence manifestations on online-based platforms are discussed. The author comes to the conclusion that manifestations of the spiral of silence are crucial in the process of the development of the Internet as a public sphere, and, communicative, technological and social-psychological factors, discussed in this paper, will determine whether and how online-based platforms will enhance democracy.