Mengapa Anggota Tidak Bersuara Dalam Group WhatsApp Keluarga? : Menyoal Teori Spiral of Silence

Abstract

This study investigates why family members remain silent in WhatsApp groups using the Spiral of Silence Theory as an analytical framework. Employing a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and grounded theory analysis, this research involved ten informants from various family backgrounds. The findings reveal two central categories explaining silence: conflict avoidance and distant family relationships. Silence is not caused by the absence of opinions but rather serves as an active strategy to maintain harmony and prevent conflicts among family members. Conversely, a small number of informants choose to speak up when they perceive the issue as non-sensitive or when they have a close relationship with group members. Key issues triggering silence include political preferences in the 2024 Indonesian Election, family members' lack of transparency, financial matters, and the spread of hoaxes. The findings reveal that the Spiral of Silence Theory remains relevant in digital communication contexts but requires adaptation, as silence is situational and influenced by relationship closeness, issue sensitivity, and perceived social risk. This study enriches the understanding of digital communication dynamics within family spaces while providing a reflection on the relevance of the Spiral of Silence Theory in the modern communication era.