Impact of Spiral of Silence on Public Opinion

In discussions about public opinion and its influence on political processes, it is often noted that certain ideological groups may believe they represent the larger population's views. One significant aspect of this phenomenon is the concept of the "spiral of silence," which suggests that individuals may be hesitant to express their opinions if they feel they are in the minority. This can lead to a misrepresentation of actual public opinion in polls and surveys. Which of the following statements best describes how the spiral of silence impacts public opinion dynamics?