Brits spend a month a year online

Surfing is the second most popular leisure activity for Britons

UK internet users spend a total of 34 days online every year, an average of over 15 hours a week, according to a new report.

The survey of over 10,000 broadband users found that surfing was the second most popular activity for Britons, second only to the combined category of watching TV/listening to music which accounts for 40 days a year.

More worrying still is that we are not particularly savvy surfers. Almost three-quarters of users have not switched broadband suppliers in the past 12 months and over half are paying over the odds for their connections, wasting £749m annually.

"The fast moving pace of the broadband market, and increased competition in the industry, have sparked a price war over the past 18 months," said Steve Weller, head of communications services at uSwitch.com.

"This has been exciting news for consumers as it has brought along 'free' broadband and very competitive pricing.

"However, consumers need to vote with their feet to take advantage of these new deals and ensure that they are not wasting money on more expensive packages. "

The survey also found that over 750,000 people who use social networking sites actually spend more time socialising online than they do in real life.

Roughly three quarters of 18-29 year-olds, and a third of the over 50s, use social networking sites.