Final answer:
Opinion leaders are individuals influential in shaping others' choices and opinions due to their credibility, knowledge, social connections, status, or media presence. Elite opinion leaders hold power through their business and media roles, which allows them to have a significant impact on public opinion. However, credibility is crucial for maintaining their influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opinion leaders are individuals who have the ability to influence others' opinions and choices. These can be political figures, media personalities, or simply well-informed people within one's social network. Opinion leaders may be versed in specific areas, making them knowledgeable about particular products or subjects, and their opinions are valued because they are seen as credible. This influence can stem from various factors, such as social connections, business success, high status, or media presence.
Elite opinion leaders, such as corporate leaders, media owners, or politicians, have disproportionate influence due to their positions of power. They can shape public opinion through their decisions and the content they share or endorse. While anyone can be an opinion leader, those in elite positions often have greater access to resources and platforms to disseminate their views.
However, it is important that opinion leaders maintain credibility. When this is compromised, as in the case of news anchors providing false information, they risk losing their influential status. Trustworthiness and the ability to provide reliable information are essential for maintaining an opinion leader's influence.