The two-step flow theory of mass communication asserts that information from media passes through two stages: first to opinion leaders who pay close attention to media messages, and then from opinion leaders to the broader public. Opinion leaders influence people's attitudes and behaviors by passing on both the actual media content as well as their own interpretations of it. The theory refined our understanding of how media influences decision-making compared to earlier views of direct effects, and helped explain why some media campaigns failed to change audiences. It was later succeeded by the multi-step flow theory.