SAD LOVE QUOTES: People deprived of the internet feel 'upset and lonely' and find going offline as hard as quitting smoking or drinking

Friday, July 22, 2011

People deprived of the internet feel 'upset and lonely' and find going offline as hard as quitting smoking or drinking

Lack of internet access 'like having a hand chopped off'

Last updated at 5:45 AM on 22nd July 2011

The majority of people feel upset and lonely when they are deprived of access to the internet, according to consumer research.

A new study has revealed that 53 per cent feel upset when denied access and 40 per cent feel lonely if they are unable to go online.

The research found that people experience these feelings even if denied online access for a short time.

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The study was carried out by consumer research firm Intersperience, who surveyed over 1,000 people.

Participants were quizzed on their attitudes to the use of the internet, smart phones, and other devices, and were even asked to go 24 hours without any access to internet technology.

Giving up all technology allowing web access was described by some participants as similar to quitting drinking or smoking.

One person surveyed even said being deprived of the internet was 'like having my hand chopped off'.

Paul Hudson, chief executive of Intersperience, told the Daily Telegraph: 'Online and digital technology is increasingly pervasive, influencing our friendships, the way we communicate, the fabric of our family life, our work lives, our buying habits and our dealings with organisations.'