ABSTRACT
Networked digital media have been conceptualized by some as an effective forum for citizens who are interested in the public deliberation of issues and want to publicly display their political identities. Penney wanted to know whether participants adopted the Human Rights Campaign image in order to sway public opinion, as a way to build a collective identity around support for same-sex marriage (SSM), or simply to show social support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals. The anti-SSM message, which was grounded in fear of the effects of SSM on traditional morals and the institution of marriage. The spiral of silence theory is concerned with the growth and spread of public opinion, particularly in relation to controversial and value-laden issues. Many of the interviewees said they participated in the symbolic action to encourage opponents of marriage equality to reconsider their stance, although very few explicitly said they were attempting to influence the US Supreme Court justices.
