What does the illusion of unanimity suggest in a group context?

The illusion of unanimity refers to a situation where silence or lack of dissenting opinions within a group leads members to believe that everyone is in agreement. In a group context, when individuals do not voice their disagreements or concerns, others may interpret this silence as consensus or complete support for the prevailing opinion or decision, even if some members privately hold differing views. This phenomenon can stifle open communication and critical discussion, ultimately leading to poor decision-making due to the unchallenged dominance of the majority perspective. Thus, recognizing silence as an acceptance of the majority viewpoint is key to understanding this concept.