Aaron Sorkin, the writer of Facebook film The Social Network, has admitted that he is no longer on Facebook.

Speaking at the Cannes Lions festival, the Oscar-decorated screenwriter said that he only used the site briefly while researching The Social Network and has since quit with no intention of returning.

Although he has little time for social networks, the West Wing writer revealed much more of a fondness for television, which he described as "the best theatre in America".

Sorkin said: "The best artists, the best writers, the best directors are coming from movies and into television. We are beginning to overcome the passive relationship people have with television.

"You couldn't watch something like The Wire in the background, like listening to the radio. You have to really concentrate."

Sorkin added that writing the political drama the West Wing had skewed opinions of him. "People mistake me for someone who knows something," he said.  "I write about politics because it's a treasure trove of entertainment.

"I write idealistically and romantically. When I wrote the West Wing I wanted to portray our leaders in America as people who are trying hard. They had only ever been portrayed as Machiavellian or dolts."

Sorkin proved quite the crowdpleaser after telling the Cannes audience of advertising creatives: "I love ads. I wish I could write a 30 second spot."