Which of the following statements about the spiral of silence is incorrect?

The statement that mass media rarely impacts public silence is incorrect because mass media plays a crucial role in shaping societal opinions and influencing individuals' willingness to express certain viewpoints. The spiral of silence theory posits that individuals may choose to remain silent when they perceive their opinions as being in the minority, primarily out of fear of social isolation or disapproval. The mass media contributes significantly to this phenomenon by highlighting certain opinions and downplaying others, often creating an environment where less popular views are marginalized.

When mass media prominently features specific viewpoints, it can lead individuals to believe that these are the prevailing opinions within society, which may discourage them from voicing dissenting perspectives. Therefore, it is clear that mass media has a profound impact on public silence, directly influencing the extent to which members of society feel safe to express their opinions in public discourse. This interplay between media representation and individual expression is central to the dynamics of the spiral of silence.