Reading is a huge effort for many people, a bore for others, and, believe it or not, many people prefer watching TV.

I suspect the secret of personal attraction is locked up in our unique imperfections, flaws and frailties.

Although we love the idea of choice - our culture almost worships it - we seek refuge in the familiar and the comfortable.

Some researchers sensibly suggest that rather than worrying too much about which programs our children are watching, we should concentrate on trying to reduce the total amount of time they spend in front of the screen.

Still, most of those effects occur in the context of harmless play and it is patently obvious that children are not normally turned into aggressive little monsters by TV or video games, since most children do not become aggressive little monsters.

Actually, I can't imagine anything more tedious than a perfect person, especially if it was someone who also demanded perfection from me.

Is it possible that literacy standards are falling because young Australians are growing up in a culture in which they can be entertained and informed, and in which they can communicate effectively, without having to master any but the most rudimentary literacy skills?