This study, grounded in the spiral of silence theory, explores how environmental factors interact with psychological variables to influence individuals’ willingness to express their opinions. It also investigates the impact of social media as an information source on opinion expression.
This study conducted a survey using the Qualtrics online panel in the United States. The data were analyzed using regression with multiple imputation and mediation path analysis.
The results indicate that in a social media environment, individuals with higher levels of narcissism are more likely to speak out, regardless of their perceived opinion congruence. In contrast, in face-to-face communication, communication apprehension significantly inhibits individuals from expressing their opinions. Additionally, factors such as social media use for political information, political efficacy, and moral conviction influence outspokenness in both online and offline settings.
The findings suggest that social media, as a platform for obtaining information, may enhance users’ confidence and willingness to express themselves both online and offline. As a platform for public discussion, social media may reduce avoidance motivations (e.g. communication apprehension) while fostering positive motivations (e.g. narcissism), making individuals more likely to speak out compared to face-to-face communication.
