If you are one of those who constantly belittle enthusiastic internet users, accusing them of being sad, lonely geeks who prefer the comfort of a warm mouse at home to a hot date in a heaving night club, your bluff has been called.

A new study from the University of Warwick says big Net fans are actually more social, have more close friends, read more books, get more involved in community activities, and watch an hour less TV daily than others.

So maybe the bitter begrudgers would do well to get a modem and improve their shallow, unconnected lives.