Chats in cyberspace are taking the place of some family get-togethers as Internet use takes off, according to a survey of computer users' habits released yesterday.
Most Net users said they used e-mail to keep in touch with family and friends, but more than one in 10 said it was at the expense of time spent together.
Computer advocates said the study showed technology was helping people stay in contact, but social workers warned that if the trend continued, family bonds could unravel.
'The Internet has influenced not just how we work, but even how we interact with others,' said Stuart McDonald, an executive for MasterCard International, which conducted the survey of almost 5,500 people in the Asia-Pacific region.
'While there appears to be a growing number of consumers who believe they are spending less time with their family and friends, more and more people use e-mail to stay in touch with family and friends,' Mr McDonald said.
The study found that about half of those questioned used the Internet, and that 85 per cent of those used e-mail to stay in touch with loved ones. Some, however, said going online meant they spent less time with friends and relatives.