The Spiral of Silence The theory has also been criticized for ambiguity and methodological weakness,but the idea has persisted. Evidence of the spiral effect is usually small but significant. This example shows an effect of the theory where during the 1991 Gulf War the U.S.support for the war was measured.Either it is a consensus view or did media coverage contribute to a spiral of silence that dampened opposition to the war?In a survey that asked about people's opinions,respondents were clearly less supportive of the war than the popular support depicted by the media.Those who watched television and perceived that the public supported the war,were more likely tot support the war themselves. This study supports the spiral of silence and suggests that people are swayed by bandwagon effects rather than fearing social isolation.The Spiral of Silence  The theory has also been criticized for ambiguity and methodological weakness, but the idea has persisted. Evidence of the spiral effect is usually small but significant.  This example shows an effect of the theory where during the 1991 Gulf War the U.S. support for the war was measured. Either it is a consensus view or did media coverage contribute to a spiral of silence that dampened opposition to the war? In a survey that asked about people’s opinions, respondents were clearly less supportive of the war than the popular support depicted by the media. Those who watched television and perceived that the public supported the war, were more likely tot support the war themselves. This study supports the spiral of silence and suggests that people are swayed by bandwagon effects rather than fearing social isolation