Internet vs booze: Brits reveal they would rather give up alcohol than go offline

Would you chop off a finger or forgo a daily wash if it meant you still had access to the internet? As being online is increasingly seen by some as a modern necessity to rival running water a recent survey has revealed the staggering amount people would give up in order to stay connected.

Of the 2000 Brits surveyed, many said they are willing to ditch daily essentials and luxuries in an instant if it meant not being without internet access according to Cable.co.uk – an Ofcom-accredited broadband advice site.

The biggest sacrifice was, surprisingly, alcohol with 68% of people willing to stay sober in order to stay online. 18 to 24-year-olds were more prepared to cut out alcohol in order to stay online than those in their parents' age group with 73% giving it up, compared to 65% of 45 to 54-year-olds. Alcohol was followed by chocolate (65%) and exercise (64%) being waived in favour of the web.

However, of the 10 options the majority of Brits opted to keep most lifestyle luxuries such as central heating and holidays – but that still wouldn't stop 34% claiming they would be happy to cut off a finger or 14% preferring to go without mains water supply.

Geographically, the survey showed those in the north of the UK were more willing to opt for internet over luxuries, whereas only 31% of those in London would rather have an online presence than being able to leave their own house.

"What these results do show is that, for many, the internet is as essential as some of the most fundamental needs a human being has. Or at least, people think it is," said Dan Howdle, consumer telecoms analyst at Cable.co.uk.

This may only be a snapshot but it shows how the internet has become so entwined in our daily lives and the fear of missing out (FOMO) a common syndrome of our modern living. Although, for some willing to lose an appendage or pass up water, perhaps it's one a bit too far.