According to the two-step flow of communication model, where do ideas predominantly start?

The correct answer, which indicates that ideas predominantly start with mass media and are then filtered through opinion leaders, aligns with the concept of the two-step flow of communication model. This model suggests that mass media messages do not directly influence the broader audience but instead are channeled through opinion leaders who interpret and transmit these ideas to their social networks.

Opinion leaders are individuals who have more expertise or knowledge in particular areas and are often trusted by their peers. They play an essential role in shaping public opinion because they can add context, credibility, and relatability to the information they communicate. Thus, while mass media serves as the initial source of ideas and information, it is the opinion leaders who facilitate the diffusion of these ideas to the public, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the messages.

In this model, the flow of communication emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and social influence in the diffusion of information, illustrating that not all ideas are consumed directly from mass media but rather filtered and shaped by those figures within communities who are perceived as knowledgeable.