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We investigate how different layers of censorship exposure influence users\u2019 opinion expressions. Results show that people tend to stay silent when the censorship in the global environment is intensive, whereas they tend to \u201crebel\u201d against censorship by voicing their opinions, when they experience censorship themselves or witness censorship occurring to their friends or reference persons. We also find community acts as a critical buffer against the influences of censorship. Outspoken crowd could shield individuals from the fear of punishment and outspoken friends could mitigate individuals\u2019 anger against censorship. In either case, individuals can be liberated from their overconcern with censorship and be empowered to act for themselves.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/1461444820959016","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2020,9,19]],"date-time":"2020-09-19T08:20:07Z","timestamp":1600503607000},"page":"3634-3655","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":35,"title":["Speaking up or staying silent? 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