Sex or the Web? Nearly 50% of Women Pick Web

A recent survey, "Internet Reliance in Today's Economy" conducted by Harris Interactive for Intel, found that most U.S. adults find Internet access essential to daily life, so essential that some would choose it over TV ... or sex.

According to the survey, 46% of women and 30% of men would forego sex for 2 weeks rather than give up Internet access for the same amount of time. For women and men aged 18-34 it was 49% and 39% respectively. More than half of the women in the 35-44 range (52%) would forego sex.

Men, is this starting to make you feel inferior to your cable or DSL modem?

TV has no chance against the Internet: 67% of adults aged 18-34, 57% of adults aged 35-44 and 52% adults aged 45 and older would rather go 2 weeks without watching TV than give up Internet access for one week. Yes, one, not two weeks.


Of course, there's an obvious downward trend as age increases in the TV vs. Internet comparison, so does that mean older people don't want to give up Leno or Letterman?

Other interesting tidbits:

Life Improvement: 91% report that the ability to access the Internet has improved at least one aspect of their lives. Within this group:

• 78% say their ability to stay in touch with friends and family has improved.
• 68% say they are able to shop more effectively.
• 47% say they are able to manage their finances better because of the Internet through activities such as online banking and paying bills.

The Internet is a Must-Have: Among discretionary items surveyed, Internet access ranks highest among the items listed as something adults cannot live without.

• Internet access (65%)
• Cable television subscriptions (39%)
• Dining out (20%)
• Shopping for clothes (18%) who did they survey, Carrie Bradshaw?
• Gym membership (10%)

Internet Access Essential in Today's Economic Climate: 95% of adults surveyed feel that it is very important, important or somewhat important for people to have devices that allow them to access the Internet. 82% feel that the Internet helps them keep abreast of the state of the economy (though why they would want the constant depressing news is beyond me). Meanwhile 87% say that Internet access has helped them save money. Of these adults:

• 84% have saved money by comparing prices online and finding the best deals before making purchase decisions.
• 66% have saved money simply by shopping online.
• 65% say the Internet has helped them save money by allowing them to search for promotions or deals.

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. from Nov. 18 - 20 among 2,119 adults ages 18 and older. There is no theoretical sampling error estimated as the online survey is not based on a probability sample.