Book contents
- Chilling Effects
- Praise for Chilling Effects
- Chilling Effects
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface and Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Part I Conventional Chilling Effects Theories and Their Limits
- Part II A New Understanding
- 3 Social Chilling Effects
- 4 A Conformity Theory of Chilling Effects
- 5 A Taxonomy of Chilling Effects
- Part III Implications
- Notes
- Index
4 - A Conformity Theory of Chilling Effects
from Part II - A New Understanding
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2025
Book contents
- Chilling Effects
- Praise for Chilling Effects
- Chilling Effects
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface and Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Part I Conventional Chilling Effects Theories and Their Limits
- Part II A New Understanding
- 3 Social Chilling Effects
- 4 A Conformity Theory of Chilling Effects
- 5 A Taxonomy of Chilling Effects
- Part III Implications
- Notes
- Index
Summary
Chapter 4 elaborates a new theory of chilling effects – as conformity and compliance. The author argues that chilling effects are best understood as a more powerful form of conformity and compliance – just like conformity, chilling effects reflect a behavioral tendency to self-censor and conform in the face of threats like surveillance, uncertain laws, or personal threats. The chapter also elaborates what the author deems the four “chilling effect” factors: observation; uncertainty; personalization or personal threats; and power and authority, which help predict and explain chilling effects. The chapter explains not only why chilling effects are so powerful in their impact on our behavior, but also their additive effects – how each additional chilling effect “factor” amplifies or magnifies the impact and scope of a chilling effect.
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- Chilling EffectsRepression, Conformity, and Power in the Digital Age, pp. 49 - 66Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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