In California, consumers have already been introduced to the convenience of having both cable TV and Internet server access provided through the same connection, courtesy of fiber optics. It makes it entirely possible that both sources of information will be common household utilities in the 21st century. This may well lead to an even greater addiction to television for future generations, which could well cause a greater decline of literary skills. It remains the responsibility of broadcasters to place greater emphasis of educational programming, reintroducing our society to the written word in America.
It is possible that the Internet may provide a remedy for the affliction of illiteracy. Its basic qualities make the ability to read a bare essential for navigation. Although there are many who surf the Net to serve their prurient interests (pornography, games, chat rooms), more and more educational organizations are turning to the World Wide Web as a learning tool due to its accessibility and enormous research resources.
Though Americans face a serious crisis in the decline of literacy going into the Millenium, the combined resources of the television and Internet media can work together to stem the tide. Let us hope our leaders of the future have the vision to make this dream a reality.
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