Facebook and Twitter more tempting than sex: study

SAN FRANCISCO —

A study arousing interest online has found that checking Facebook or Twitter is more alluring than sex for those immersed in Internet Age lifestyles.

The week-long poll conducted in Germany by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business classified checking social network tweets, pictures, comments and other posts as stronger than sex and cigarettes in terms of temptation.

People ranging in age from 18 to 85 took part in the poll by using smartphones to regularly update researchers regarding their cravings to check in with online communities.

Study participants were also asked to track hankerings for sex, alcohol, cigarettes, or other gratification. Yearnings for fixes of Facebook, Twitter or other social networks were ranked as the hardest desires to resist, The study also revealed that work was a fierce addiction.

People able to stave off urges for sex, shopping sprees, or other temptations tended to cave when it came to working, the study showed.