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Brits ‘switch on to switch off’

Brits ‘switch on to switch off’

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

People are more likely to feel anxious than liberated when disconnected from technology, according to a new study.

According to the research, 35 per cent of people were anxious about being able to contact their family, one in three were stressed about not being able to work online, and more than a quarter worried about not being able to communicate with friends.

There is a significant number of people for whom always being connected actually increases peace of mind

In contrast, Virgin Media (www.VirginMedia.com), who commissioned the research, found that 29 per cent felt liberated when they couldn’t contact their family and 28 per cent were happy to be disconnected from work.

Mark Schweitzer, chief operating officer at Virgin Media, said: “An 'always on' lifestyle may not be for everyone but the report highlights that there is a significant number of people for whom always being connected actually increases peace of mind.”

The study identified a type of consumer that “switched on to switch off”.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: "In today’s technology-focused society, many people feel they will miss out on something important if they’re not online reading emails, taking phone calls and checking Facebook.

“The internet can also provide a lifeline to the outside world for anyone who is unable to get out and about as much as they would like. Particularly new mums and the elderly can benefit from these technologies, staying in touch with friends and family online.”

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