Internet addiction is taking over our lives.

So much so, that it appears almost half of us would rather have Wi-Fi than chocolate, alcohol and even sex.

The latest figures follow research that suggests internet addiction is simply a smokescreen for more severe psychological issue.

A new study suggests that people now see Wi-Fi as more important than chocolate, alcohol and even sex (stock image)

KEY FINDINGS The study looked at information from more than 1,700 participants and found that: - 40 percent of respondents chose Wi-Fi as their number one daily essential, designating it as a higher priority than sex (37 per cent), chocolate (14 per cent) and alcohol (nine per cent) - 75 per cent of respondents said that Wi-Fi has improved their quality of life - 63 per cent of respondents prefer using Wi-Fi hotspots over mobile data - 75 per cent of respondents said data is more important than minutes when choosing a cellular contract Advertisement

The study, by iPass, looked at information from more than 1,700 people from North America and Europe.

Participants were asked about their connectivity habits, preferences and expectations, and were asked to provide opinions about their level of dependence on mobile connectivity.

The results showed that 40 per cent of respondents chose Wi-Fi as their number one daily essential, while 37 per cent chose sex, 14 per cent chose chocolate and only nine per cent chose alcohol.

Patricia Hume, chief commercial officer of iPass said: 'Wi-Fi is not only the most popular method of internet connectivity, it has surpassed many other human luxuries and necessities.

'The idea that Wi-Fi would be considered more important than sex, alcohol and chocolate would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.'

Around three quarters of the respondents also said that Wi-Fi has improved their quality of life.

Ms Hume added: 'We all want to stay connected and productive in our personal and professional lives.

The results showed that 40 per cent of respondents chose Wi-Fi as their number one daily essential, while 37 per cent chose sex, 14 per cent chose chocolate and only nine per cent chose alcohol (stock image)

'Mobile professionals, in particular, expect to remain connected at all times, whether at home, travelling between client meetings, at their hotel or even in flight.'

The study also showed the effect of Wi-Fi on travel choices.

For people who don't want to be hit by data bills or huge roaming charges, Wi-Fi has become a travel essential, influencing hotel, airport and other travel choices.

Seventy two per cent of respondents said they have chosen a hotel based on the Wi-Fi experience, with 21 per cent saying they do so all the time.

In September, scientists at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. said that internet obsession fuels depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, and short attention span.

And yet, experts warned, 24-hour connectedness remains socially acceptable.

The researchers insist we need to be more vigilant about the way people - particularly teenagers - use the internet, looking out for signs of desperation and anger.