Why can opposition to a government fail to become public opinion in an authoritarian state?

In the context of sociology, public opinion is defined as a product of social interaction and communication that requires individuals to convey their beliefs to others to form a collective consensus. In an authoritarian state, opposition to the government often fails to become public opinion because the necessary conditions for its formation are systematically suppressed.1

Authoritarian regimes maintain control by restricting civil society, monitoring organizations, and limiting the press. Because these regimes often use harassment, imprisonment, or threats to punish dissent, individuals may fear expressing their true attitudes even to close friends or family.21

Sociologically, this creates a "spiral of silence," where people who perceive their views as contrary to the state—or who fear the consequences of speaking out—refrain from expressing them. Without the ability to communicate these views openly, a shared consensus cannot coalesce, and the opposition remains private rather than evolving into a public opinion that could exert influence. Ultimately, the regime’s monopoly on propaganda and its use of force effectively prevent the interactive, multidimensional communication required for public opinion to exist.314