Do you believe average reading comprehension and writing skills have decreased in the general adult population? If so, what factors do you think exacerbate and proliferate the trend?

What is your opinion? This is listed under “discussion”. I sincerely hope the word discussion is understood. Is the general modern adult population regressing in the ability to communicate effectively because of a trend in declining reading comprehension and writing ability? What factors would be contributing to and exacerbating such a trend? Do you view this as a problem, or might the need for such skills merely be less important in general? Some skills for instance, become obsolete over time due to changes. There was a time when knowledge of morse code and the ability to send wire telegraphs was in high demand for instance, but due to changes in modern life the skill is no longer as relevant. Are reading comprehension and writing skills simply becoming less relevant due to similar changes in technology and circumstances? Are changes in current educational practice and theory to blame, such as the “whole language” approach to reading instruction as opposed to phonics? What might be done to change attitudes and reverse the trend of decline in skills, if you believe there is one?