Much of that time is devoted to business and more than half to communications, says a survey conducted by a group of political scientists.

The survey found Internet users watch television for one hour and 42 minutes a day, compared with the national average of two hours, Norman H. Nie, director of the Stanford Institute for the Quantitative Study of Society, told the New York Times. (NYSE:NYT)

A 2000 study by the researchers that reported increasing physical isolation among Internet users drew angry complaints from some users who insisted time spent online did not detract from social relationships.

However, the researchers said they had now gathered further evidence strengthening their claim.

The researchers acknowledged the study did not answer questions about whether Internet use itself strengthened or weakened social relations with one's friends and family.