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Platform affordances and spiral of silence: How perceived differences between Facebook and Twitter influence opinion expression online

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  • Oz, Mustafa
  • Shahin, Saif
  • Greeves, Scott B.

Abstract

This study examines how perceived differences in the affordances of social media platforms influence users' willingness to express opinions on a controversial issue, viz., systemic racism. Drawing on a U.S. nationally representative survey, our analysis suggests that fear of social isolation has a significant effect on Facebook but not on Twitter. Moreover, three platform affordances — network association, anonymity, and social presence — moderate the relationship on Facebook, while anonymity has a direct positive effect on Twitter. We argue that increased perceived network association and social presence and reduced perceived anonymity on Facebook result in higher levels of self-censorship. Twitter's interest-based ties, on the other hand, enhance anonymity and, with it, the willingness to speak on controversial topics.

Suggested Citation

  • Oz, Mustafa & Shahin, Saif & Greeves, Scott B., 2024. "Platform affordances and spiral of silence: How perceived differences between Facebook and Twitter influence opinion expression online," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:76:y:2024:i:c:s0160791x23002361
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102431
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