The Two-Step Flow Theory proposes that the influence of mass media on public opinion occurs in two stages. First, media messages are received by opinion leaders in social groups who influence and filter information for their networks. These opinion leaders interpret and discuss the media's content with other group members, acting as the primary influencers. This second stage of interpersonal communication among ordinary group members ultimately shapes public opinion more so than direct exposure to the media. The theory helped explain how mass media influences audiences indirectly through social relationships and informal discussions within people's networks.

1. Media
Two-Step-Flow
Theory

2. Its about how key people
effect other people.

4. • Its our response to the media, mediated
through social relationship.
• its about how key people effect other peoples
opinion.
• It’s the ‘peoples choice’
• They expected result was mass medias messages would have a direct influence on votes.
• It’s the use of informal and personal contact.

5. • The Two-Step Flow Theory claims that the
information we receive from the mass media
moves in two stages.
Firstly, individuals:- the opinion leaders, who take
into account the media and the messages and
receives the information it is outputting.
There are opinion leaders in all groups, whether
that be occupational, social, community or
otherwise. The leadership may change from time to
time and are dependant on the issue but they are
the most influential when interest is shared by the
group.

6. There are two types of opinion leaders. The first
being monomorphic, meaning they are only
influential on one topic and the other,
polymorphic which means the leader is
influential on a variety of topics.

7. 2. These opinion leader will then pass their own
interpretations of the information as well as the
actual content the media put out, to opinion
receivers/seekers.

8. The theory has helped with our understanding
of how the media influences our decisions as
well as refining our ability to predict the effects
of the media’s messages on audience behaviour.