Internet tops the list of things we can’t live without
The internet is the most essential day to day comfort that Britons say they can’t live without, according to research from Direct Line Home Insurance.
A bath and TV complete the top three essential items, leaving comforts like a daily coffee or make-up further down the list.
The research also highlights the importance of technology to Britons on a day to day basis, with just under half (48 per cent) admitting they could comfortably go longer without seeing their family than using the internet.
Direct Line home insurance compared the length of time respondents could comfortably be without a range of basic human essentials, such as food and water, with modern day technologies and found for many the latter was of greater importance.
One in eight (12 per cent) said they could comfortably go without food for longer than they could go without social media and over half (51 per cent) could go longer without seeing their friends than using their mobile phone.
Direct Line commissioned the research to support its home insurance policy benefits, which ensure that, should any of a customer’s essential items be lost or stolen, replacements will be ready to send within just eight hours. Customers are also offered the choice of receiving brand new replacement items delivered to their door, or the equivalent in cash.
Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, commented: “What we deem to be ‘essential’ is an extremely personal choice, and something that varies between individuals. For the average person, technology now dominates their list of essential daily comforts, perhaps because we are so reliant upon these items and enjoy the luxury of being connected.
“Whether it’s a laptop, washing machine or a set of golf clubs, our essentials service allows us to understand and prioritise the items that are fundamental to our customers’ day to day living. By allowing them to choose how, when and where these items are replaced, it enables us to offer a personalised service without the additional premium.”
Psychotherapist and health writer, Christine Webber, said: “If we didn’t know already, we certainly know now, from Direct Line’s research, just how vital the internet has become in our day-to-day lives. The ability to check facts and find information - as well as be in touch via social media with friends and family wherever they are in the world - has become our Number One essential for 21st century living. I am pleased though to see that a bath comes second in our list of essential items. There are few situations or worries in life that cannot be improved - at least to some extent – by soaking in a hot and fragrant bathtub.”
“People lead stressful lives these days, so to actually identify what their essential comforts are is a useful exercise. Having a ‘go to’ activity or object that always delivers good feelings for us, can be a source of great comfort.”
Direct Line’s study highlighted that for many people, the amount of time they could comfortably be without technology was very limited. One in eight (13 per cent) felt they couldn’t comfortably go more than an hour without their mobile phone and similar numbers said the same about access to the internet. TV (eight per cent), laptops and computers (eight per cent), social media (six per cent) and music players (five per cent) were also highlighted as things they wouldn’t wish to go more than 60 minutes without.
Top 15 most essential items for day to day living:
1. The internet / wifi
2. Bath / shower
3. TV
4. Laptop / tablet / iPad
5. Car
6. Mobile phone / smart phone
7. Pet cat or dog
8. Washing machine
9. Tea
10. Coffee
11. Book(s) / eReader / Kindle
12. Comfy sofa or chair
13. Make up
14. Newspapers/magazines
15. Chocolate