UK's internet addiction worsening

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 2 Sep 2008 at 09:35

A new study has revealed Britain's addiction to the internet is growing, with nearly half of those surveyed revealing they feel stressed when they can't access the web.

The YouGov study reveals that 44% of people living in Britain feeling "stressed or confused" when they can't access their internet connections, a phenomenon the study dubs discomgoogolation.

"The proliferation of broadband has meant for the first time in history we've entered a culture of instant answers," says psychologist Dr David Lewis, who monitored heart rates and brainwave activity to identify the condition.

"A galaxy of information is just a mouse click away and we have become addicted to the web. When unable to get online, discomgoogolation takes over."

Among the other findings, the survey reveals that 19% of people spend more time online than with their family in a week, with 34% suggesting they would choose the internet over exercise for a month.