Apparently us UK people, when we're not binge drinking or collecting asbos, are rather partial to our gadgets. And according to one study we could be addicted to these little devices of joy.

The survey, carried out by the University of Northampton, found that excessive use of the internet and gadgets could cause "cause social withdrawal, problems with relationships and even physical illness."

The survey dsiscovered that a third of Brits could be "addicted" to technology, be it gadgets, games, gizmos or the interweb.

The survey of 360 adults found that using the internet and technological devices too much could be almost like being addicted to drugs or alcohol with all the problems victims of those conditions face.

The study was carried out by Professor Nada Kakabadse at the university and she found that one in three of those surveyed felt deprived if they were not able to get onto the internet via a computer or other mobile device.

Kakabadse said that as technology has become simpler to use and more portable over the last decade, more people can now use it, and apparently that's a bad thing.

"You would be surprised how many people keep their PDA or BlackBerry next to their beds," said Kakabadse (Hmm, not on this publication we're not!)

"Technology has become much more interesting over the past 10 years with the internet and everything. It is much simpler and much more portable which makes it more accessible."