Despite Snowden's Wikileaks are classified as treasonous in the eyes of the United States Government there is evidence that there is a majority of people according to Pew Research “44% say the release of classified information harms the public interest while 49% said it serves the …show more content…
However, when it came to expressing views publicly either online, or in person, their opinion abruptly switches to not an option and to remain silent. The NSA leak aligns completely as an example model of the Spiral of Silence concept. The threat of isolation aspect makes it difficult for the individual to argue against the surveillance because saying so would signal “that you don't care if the United States stops terrorists.” In a country that prides itself on fundamental freedom, self-liberty, and patriotism, speaking as a faction against a policy meant to protect the state is not feasible. Fear of isolation is identified in Pews research which showed “those who felt their coworkers agreed with their opinion were about three times more likely” (Pew) to agree with Snowden. Even though privacy is protected under the constitution, people feel uncomfortable expressing opinion about surveillance in “the fear of isolation