Internet access more important than washing for Britons, poll suggests

Brits also said they can go longer without food than social media

Britons would rather have internet access than see their families, a poll suggests (Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

Britons are so attached to the latest technological gadgets and gizmos that they consider internet access more important than spending time with their families or washing themselves, according to a new poll.

In a survey of 2003 UK adults which asked them to rank modern day essentials, a staggering 48 per cent of people surveyed said they would rather give up seeing their loved ones than the internet.

And one in eight participants said they could cope for a longer time without food than they could without checking a social media website.

An internet connection also appeared higher on the list than personal hygiene, as taking a bath or shower appeared second on the list, while owning a smartphone or a tablet device was prioritised over having a washing machine.

Meanwhile, relaxing in front of the TV came in as third on the list – above reading a book a newspaper, according to the poll commissioned by Opinium Research for Direct Line Home Insurance.

Denise Knowles, a counsellor for family charity Relate advised families to schedule times for when using smartphones and tablets was "out of bounds".

She told the Evening Standard: “Like anything, the internet and social media can get in the way of us really focusing on spending time with people, but that depends on how we use it.

"Families may find it useful to schedule in time when phones and tablets are 'out of bounds' such as mealtimes, and couples may find is useful to keep the bedroom 'mobile-free.'

"The important thing is to communicate with everyone and come up with an arrangement that can work for all members of the family," she added.

Top 15 modern day essentials according to the poll

1. The internet / wifi

2. Bath / shower

3. TV

4. Laptop / tablet / iPad

5. Car

6. Mobile phone / smart phone

7. Pet cat or dog

8. Washing machine

9. Tea

10. Coffee

11. Book(s) / eReader / Kindle

12. Comfy sofa or chair

13. Make up

14. Newspapers/magazines

15. Chocolate