Books. Reading books.

In a new study of Internet use (and other stuff) from the University of Southern California, reports AP Internet writer Anick Jesdanun...

The study found nearly a quarter of online users - especially newcomers to the Internet - say they spend less time reading.

A lot of teachers I know say that too. Reading stuff on paper is what they mean. Books. Mostly books.

Sure, there are other things you can do on the Web - watch, listen, even talk - but there is still a whole lot of reading going on and it should count.

But a story's a story at the AP, and this one ledes with...

NEW YORK (AP) -- One in five American parents believe their kids are spending too much time on the Internet, though most say the online activities haven't affected grades either way.

Well, thanks for the clarification there, but study's not just about children or even just about the net. It's just that fear sells papers. Or, in this case, Internet writer Anick Jesdanun, pixels, I guess you'd say.

Of course the story also reports...

Americans 66 and over remain the most disconnected.

...so bear that in mind when you read this.

If reading is what you're doing, that is.