• December 23, 2008

Nearly half of women (46%) and 30% of men would rather go without sex for two weeks than give up Internet access for the same amount of time, according to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by Intel.

The study, "Internet Reliance in Today's Economy" reveals that 52% of women ages 35 to 44 and 49% of women ages 18 to 34 were more likely to say they would give up sex, compared with 39% of men ages 18 to 34.

Among the 2,119 U.S. adults who participated last month in the online survey, 65% believe they cannot live without Internet access, and 71% said it is important or very important to have Internet-enabled devices, such as laptops and mobile Internet devices that can search the Internet and provide real-time updates on important issues.

Most survey participants also identified the Internet as a key tool to manage personal finances and search for discounts and the best deals while shopping online--and many rated access to the Internet as indispensable compared to other discretionary items, such as dining out, shopping for clothes and gym memberships.--Laurie Sullivan