The Influence of the Media: How much is too much?

Hi guys, my general idea for my research paper is the overwhelming authority the media has over our lives. The influence of social networking, television commercials, etc. is a large part of our generation. Below is my abstract and I would really appreciate some feedback as to how I can tweak it, or any ideas about sources I can use. Any help would be great!

Thanks a lot, Michelle

ABSTRACT:

We all like to believe that we have our own opinions. Whether these opinions are about politics, culture, and even the TV shows we like to enjoy, we trust it’s our choice. However, we don’t consider who chooses to put certain politicians in the spot light, what musical artists get signed, and what TV shows make it past the pilot. There are so many behind-the-scenes events that we don’t get to be apart of, that it begins to beg the question: How much influence does the media have over our lives? According the documentary, Manufacturing Consent, only roughly 20 percent of the population, considered the “political class,” has some role in making decisions, while the other 80 percent pay the cost of following the overbearing power of the media. Even if are geared to think that we are all individuals, it’s hard to deny the media’s influence over us. Although in the past, propaganda has reined supreme, we like to believe (or have been led to believe) that things have changed. As American citizens, we pride ourselves in having the freedom of speech, the freedom to vote, and overall, the freedom of choice. The question we must ask ourselves is how much influence will we allow the media to have over us, as individuals? Today’s media is geared toward Generation Y, the generation that spends a majority of their time on the internet, their cell phones, and waiting for the next iPad to be released. Though the media plays a part in these interests, it is our job to use this technology to our advantage and regain our individuality.