The largest study to date on the social effects of the internet quizzed 4,113 adults in nearly 3,000 households across America. Its author, Professor Nie from the Stanford Institute for the Quantitative Study of Society in America, is very concerned that even moderate use (5-10 hours a week) can reduce personal social activities by up to 25%. These moderate users spent on average 8% less time attending social events, 13% less time with family and friends, and 26% less time talking to people on the phone.

One good thing though, for 60% of the time people are on the net they would, apparently, have been watching TV.