Debate on Federalism in Libya: A Test of Spiral of Silence among TV Viewers and Facebook Users

This research applies the basic tenets of the theory of spiral of silence assumptions on the particular case of the current debate in Libya about the adoption of Federal system of governing as an administration system of the state. Throughout the work of this study, spiral of silence theory main topics is tested such as climate of opinion, which is examined to know how it could be perceived by individuals in this particular case, also the concept of fear of isolation, the role played by the references groups and how they influence the individual’s willingness to speak out his opinion. For the present study quantitative research methodology was favored. Data has been collected through questionnaire which has been conducted among 100 participants in order to find answers to the research questions and assumptions. Responses of the participants and the collected data are analyzed using statistical software to obtain accurate statistical results. Findings show a significant role of territorial affiliation, media outlets and reference groups in determining the individual's opinion about the current federalism debate in Libya, in addition to a considerable influence of the previously mentioned factors on the individuals’ willingness to speak out their personal opinions comfortably.