YouGov: Brits suffering from 'discomgoogolation'

The Brits are seriously addicted to the Internet, according to recent research, and would rather have their power, gas and water cut off before losing access to the web.

by Helen Leggatt

Stress, anxiety and confusion reign when Brits aren’t able to get their daily dose of Internet surfing, according to recent research carried out by YouGov on behalf of information service 118 118.

The research found that almost half (44%) of the 2,100 Brits polled suffered from what they dubbed “discomgoogolation”, a combination of “discombobulate” (to throw into confusion) and “Google”. The physical symptoms, monitored by psychologist Dr David Lewis, include increased heart and brain function rates.

Such is the importance of the Internet in British life that over three-quarters (76%) said they simply could not live without it, saying they’d rather have everyday utilities such as water, gas and electricity cut off rather than their Internet connection.

In a sad illustration of Internet obsession, one in six responded that they would miss the Internet more than their friends.

"The proliferation of broadband has meant for the first time in history we have entered a culture of 'instant answers' - a galaxy of information is just a mouse click away and we have become addicted to the web,” said Dr Lewis.