Net Becomes a British Way of Life The Internet has become a part of everyday life for most Britons, says a report published this week by market research company Netinfo. Just over 70% of people questioned for the survey said the net had become essential. The survey reveals that emailing friends and others is the nation’s favourite Internet activity. It also found that people spend an average of seven hours a week online, visiting 13 different websites in seven days. But 10% of all those who surf the net are doing it for more than 20 hours a week. Just over 2,000 adults in Britain were interviewed for the report. The study found almost 19 million people in the UK – four in ten adults – regularly went online. But the number of new users has slowed down. Numbers online grew by just 11% over the past 12 months compared with 33% the previous year. The report also reveals the increasing importance of the silver surfer. According to the report the number of older people online grew by more than 40% over the past year. People aged over 55 now make up 17% of the UK Internet population. The survey also discovered that many workers surf the net for personal reasons while at work. Almost three-quarters of workers with Internet access admitted using it for pleasure, usually to email friends and family. According to Bill Wills, author of the survey, many employees expect some flexibility, and most employers are willing to accept this. “However, employers are less likely to be understanding, if you’re downloading movies or introducing an unfriendly virus to your company network,” he said. 1. Around people questioned for the survey think that the Internet has become essential.