Why do many Poles, despite holding strong views, hesitate to express their opinions publicly?

Prof. Tomasz Gackowski discusses the mechanisms of the spiral of silence, self-censorship, and their implications for public debate in interviews for the UW Science Service and Rzeczpospolita.

The interviews draw on LBM UW’s latest research on public opinion in Poland, including attitudes toward the participation of Polish soldiers in the stabilization mission in Ukraine. The findings reveal a clear gap between what people think and what they are willing to articulate publicly.

We encourage you to read the full article, which explores the spiral of silence in depth and highlights its relevance for democratic processes. The complete report – available in both Polish and English – can be accessed on the LBM website: https://www.lbm.uw.edu.pl/en/publications/news/689-the-cati-2025-survey-report-is-now-available-in-english

Serwis Naukowy UW: https://serwisnaukowy.uw.edu.pl/polacy-i-spirala-milczenia-dlaczego-boimy-sie-wyrazac-swoje-poglady/

Rzeczpospolita: https://www.rp.pl/nauka/art43377361-spirala-milczenia-dlaczego-boimy-sie-mowic-co-naprawde-myslimy