Does political efficacy reduce self-censorship? A quantitative analysis of perceived ideological diversity and fear of isolation in Thailand’s digital sphere

Political efficacy is typically associated with greater political participation and a higher willingness to express opinions in public discourse. However, in politically sensitive or polarized environments, individuals may strategically withhold their views despite feeling politically capable. Drawing on the Spiral of Silence framework, this study examines how perceived ideological diversity, fear of isolation, and political efficacy influence individuals’ willingness to self-censor in online political discussions. Using survey data from 400 social media users in Thailand, regression analyses test the proposed relationships. The findings show that perceived ideological diversity significantly increases fear of isolation, which strongly predicts the willingness to self-censor. While perceived ideological diversity does not directly influence self-censorship, fear of isolation emerges as the primary psychological driver of silence. Interestingly, political efficacy is positively associated with self-censorship, suggesting that efficacious individuals utilize “Strategic Silence” to navigate social risks and preserve harmony. Furthermore, political efficacy does not moderate these effects, indicating a “ceiling effect” of social pressure in polarized contexts. These findings highlight the complex dynamics of political expression in polarized digital environments and suggest that, in certain contexts, silence functions as a strategic response rather than political disengagement.