Brits give up holidays for technology

AN OFCOM REPORT suggests that British people would rather have a smart new tech gadget than go on holiday.

Some will even cut back on meals in favour of spending on communication technology during the recession, the report said. This is probably a good thing as some tech geeks could do with avoiding a few meals.

According to the watchdog's annual report, spending on mobiles, the Internet and TV is regarded as the highest priority next to food.

Consumers were asked where they were most likely to be cutting back on spending during the recession. More than 47 per cent said going out for dinner, 41 per cent said DIY and 41 per cent said holidays.

Only 19 per cent said they would cut back on mobile phone spending, whilst 10 per cent thought it was a good idea to cut their broadband bill.

More than 19 million people in the UK, or half of Internet users, visit Facebook, spending an average of six hours per month on the site. This is an increase from four hours in 2008.

The report said the proportion of 25 to 34 year olds who said they had a social notworking profile grew by six percentage points in a year to 46 per cent. The figure also rose three per cent among 35 to 54 year olds to 35 per cent.

However it appears that younger people are starting to lose interest. The proportion of 15 to 24 year olds with social notworking profiles dropped nine per cent to 46 per cent from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009. µ