Must Read: The HTC One Google Edition? A Sense-less plan, if you ask me

Topic: Mobility

Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

Summary: A new survey in the UK has found that Facebook ranked fifth on a list of things people say they can't live without.

Emil Protalinski

By for Friending Facebook |

The London Science Museum recently surveyed 3,000 adults asking them what things they couldn't live without. There were a total of 50 items mentioned (full list below); here are the top ten, in order: sunshine, Internet connection, clean drinking water, fridge, Facebook, National Health Service (NHS), cooker, e-mail, flushing toilet, and mobile phone.

Yes, you read that correctly. Facebook ranked fifth! Residents of the UK consider only four things more important than Facebook. Two of them are actual human needs (sunshine and clean drinking water) and one is very closely related to a human need (fridge). The other one (Internet) is arguably becoming a human right and of course you need it to access Facebook.

The fact that Facebook was listed higher than e-mail does not surprise me, but things like NHS, flushing toilet, washing machine, shower, central heating, and air conditioning do. Facebook was also listed higher than products and services like Google, Ebay, iPod, Nintendo Wii, iPad, Xbox, and Twitter.

"Brits are obsessed by the weather, so it's not surprising sunshine was rated as the top thing we couldn't live without," Sarah Richardson, Science Museum Exhibition Manager, told Daily Mail. "But to say you can't live without material things over drinking water is crazy. It seems having fresh drinking water is something that many of us take for granted but is becoming scarcer in many parts of the world. If you see how little water others have to drink or grow food you soon realize water is fast becoming a luxury for millions."

The survey was carried out in conjunction with the Science Museum's new exhibition, Water Wars: Fight The Food Crisis, which explores the problem of having enough fresh water to grow crops. It was meant to underline how Westerners take many aspects of their lives for granted. Survey respondents rated the Internet higher than fresh water.

Here's the full list:

  1. Sunshine
  2. Internet connection
  3. Clean drinking water
  4. Fridge
  5. Facebook
  6. NHS
  7. Cooker
  8. E-mail
  9. Flushing toilet
  10. Mobile phone / smartphone
  11. Tea and Coffee
  12. Washing machine
  13. Shower
  14. Central heating
  15. Painkillers
  16. Fresh vegetables
  17. Vacuum Cleaner
  18. Kettle
  19. Sofa
  20. Shoes
  21. Fresh fruit
  22. Google
  23. Car
  24. Hair straighteners
  25. Public transport
  26. Laptop
  27. Chocolate
  28. DVD Player
  29. Wristwatch
  30. Make-up
  31. Flat screen TV
  32. Wedding ring
  33. Tumble dryer
  34. Bottled water
  35. Ebay
  36. Bicycle
  37. Ipod
  38. Air conditioning
  39. Disposable nappies
  40. Light bulbs
  41. Spell-check
  42. Sat Nav
  43. Push-up bra
  44. Nintendo Wii
  45. iPad
  46. Gym Membership
  47. Season ticket to your football club
  48. Freezer
  49. Xbox
  50. Twitter

Topics: Mobility, Browser, Social Enterprise

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

Talkback

14 comments
Log in or register to join the discussion

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    My guess is most of the respondents would change their minds if a few of the less necessary items were take away. Or maybe I'm just nostalgic for a more sensible time.
    Bill4
    Reply Vote

    • Indeed

      @Bill4

      Ask our friends in Southern California if Facebook ranks higher than air conditioning. I'm guessing it would not right now.
      oncall
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    Those 3000 dolts have one thing common - lack of basic education.
    xTalk
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

      @xTalk
      Who needs an education when you have a push-up bra?
      bluebeard66
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    So says pointless Daily Mail style survey.

    Meanwhile in the real world of things that matter..........
    Alan Smithie
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    all of a sudden it done got real burrrrr out here peeps askn if I wanna go out hmmm?naw not 2nite ima kick back n watch movies by mys ?
    <a href="http://www.onlineonsale.org/">Cheap Moncler</a>
    zuggboot
    Reply Vote

  • liajames

    This is one of the good articles you can find in the net explaining everything in detail regarding the topic. I thank you for taking your time sharing your thoughts and ideas to a lot of readers out there.
    <a href="http://www.flowers2world.com/send_flowers_online/flowers_delivery_in_Australia.asp">flowers delivered Australia</a> | <a href="http://www.flowers2world.com/send_flowers_online/flowers_delivery_in_Canada.asp">deliver flowers canada</a>
    liajames
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    I am glad to read this post, it?s an interesting one.
    <a href="http://www.flowersstore.co.uk">delivered flowers</a> |<a href="http://www.flowersstore.co.uk">deliver flowers</a> | <a href="http://www.flowersstore.co.uk">florists in uk</a>
    liajames
    Reply Vote

  • That's all people need?

    Looks like a country easy to govern. In case you need a Prime Minister, please let me know.
    RelaxWalk
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    Oh come one. Seeing how a lot of surveys are conducted, I highly doubt that people were really putting Facebook above the essentials - they just got lost in incoherent questioning. Maybe. I'd have to see how it was actually conducted to be sure.
    Mike (not Cox)
    Reply Vote

  • Have to wonder how the survey was done

    I really have to wonder how the survey was done, for water to be below Internet. I'm not about to take this particular survey very seriously.
    CobraA1
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    Very sad to see Push-up bras are only #43.

    What a stupid survey.
    Imrhien
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    <p><a href="http://www.coachfactoryoutletcenter.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a> is really sizzling kinds of shopping way for you. With the usage of the replica designer coach bags, you can surely be able to change your individual looks in a stunning manner.discount coach handbags, leaders and affordable for the American luxury brand known to create attractive designer <a href="http://www.coachfactoryoutletcenter.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> online store and accessories.<a href="http://www.coachfactoryoutletcenter.com" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> provides people many coach goods. If you wish to snatch the coach handbag, then this best method is made for that you like for coach discount.<a href="http://www.coachfactoryoutletcenter.com" title="coach factory outlet store"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet store</strong></h1></a> sell the products which are classical design for stylish ladies. The pretty shape and bright color of the wallet is full of fashion elements to show your unusual identity.Besides,the soft leather and well-made handle give you a really unique appearance in any occasion.</p><p>If you need practical, fashionable and well-known <a href="http://www.coach--purses.com" title="coach purses"><h1><strong>coach purses</strong></h1></a>, you can consider to choosing on the Coach Outlet. Its nice and popular design will make you feel a sense of fresh air.If you do not know design can be the most fashionable this fall, consider a glance on <a href="http://www.coach--purses.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a>! This summer, you have a wide range of options, because there are numerous designs, you can find from.Becoming a regular member of <a href="http://www.coach--purses.com" title="coach outlet online"><h1><strong>coach outlet online</strong></h1></a>, you can even buy wholesale purses, handbags, leather wallets at preferential prices. Why not have a try?Remember the <a href="http://www.coach--purses.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> provide coach bags which won't be deteriorated into its overall styles by any means. It will maintain its looks, colors, and uniqueness for long time.</p><p>Using a range of quality fabrics and materials, <a href="http://www.coachbagsoutletsstore.net" title="coach bags"><h1><strong>coach bags</strong></h1></a> are durable and modish. No wonder they are loved by million of fad-seekers.Coach is a renowned leather brand throughout the world. <a href="http://www.coachbagsoutletsstore.net" title="coach handbags"><h1><strong>coach handbags</strong></h1></a> are famous for their special designs and beautiful shapes.Coach New Signature BackPack Black-Beige is a useful backpack for outdoors activities. It's convenient that you can freely take along with for travel,climbing and go for school.In our <a href="http://www.coachbagsoutletsstore.net" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a>,there are many graceful styles of Coach backpack for you.Coach is a leading American designer and maker of luxury lifestyle handbags and accessories.There is no doubt that here <a href="http://www.coachbagsoutletsstore.net" title="coach outlet store"><h1><strong>coach outlet store</strong></h1></a> is the exact place you should visit.</p><p>On establishing contact with a <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinesstores.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> hire agency, a few clarifications would need to be put to rest prior to working out a deal.As long as you open our <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinesstores.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a> webpage, you will view various Coach New Arrivals which are the most popular also the most fashionable in this year.Most significantly, the coach designer purses of <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinesstores.com" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> industry won't deteriorate your individual fashions at all. Rather they would immediately change your overall looks marvelously.If you want to buy some cheap coach sling bags with fashionable styles, delicate designs, top qualities and the cheap prices, just pay a visit to the <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinesstores.com" title="coach factory store online"><h1><strong>coach factory store online</strong></h1></a>.</p><p>By the fashion, novel appearance, sophisticated technology, superior quality, <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinestore1.net" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> won domestic and international customers, their products exported to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other regions.In a word, buying at <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinestore1.net" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> on the net is extra handy and dependable than other outlets. Now I dont have adequate bucks to go in another country, but I undoubtedly adore the coach products.Today, following half a century, mentor leather-bases <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinestore1.net" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a> continues to be the delicate craft of leather-based master is accountable for,That <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinestore1.net" title="coach factory store online"><h1><strong>coach factory store online</strong></h1></a> annually consultation on item pattern to 5,000 high-end consumers, investing of as a good deal as much more than three million bucks a year.</p><p>I got to know it from my elder sister who owns enviable luxury Coach bags. <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinex.com" title="coach outlet online"><h1><strong>coach outlet online</strong></h1></a> Store is established to be your home shopping paradise.If you want to have the latest Coach arrivals, <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinex.com" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> may be a good choice. It provides its members with actually beneficial?prices?and high quality services.Though handbags are basically an accessory item of girls, there are many modern handbags and wallets for males too as it has become the ultimate fashion accessory at <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinex.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a>.You know, Coach items are so perfect and fascinating. Now I grow up, and find <a href="http://www.coachoutletonlinex.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> on the Internet offering affordable products with reliable quality.</p><p><a href="http://www.coachhoutlett.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a> offer excellent, elegant coach products in order to generate room for your new collections.They're purchased more quickly that you may at any time imagine.Coach New Signature BackPack Black-Beige is a useful backpack for outdoors activities. It's convenient that you can freely take along with for travel,climbing and go for school.In our <a href="http://www.coachhoutlett.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a>,there are many graceful styles of Coach backpack for you.<a href="http://www.coachhoutlett.com" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> is one of the most popular and successful leather brands in the U.S. market.Coach stands for the most-admired innovative style and conventions in American fashion.Maybe you haven't seen such a great handbag sold at such a cheap price. Various Coach Handbags are provided in the <a href="http://www.coachhoutlett.com" title="coach factory"><h1><strong>coach factory</strong></h1></a> with other wonderful colors and styles for your demand.</p><p>If you want to have the latest Coach arrivals, <a href="http://www.coachoutletfactoryss.com" title="coach factory outlet online"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet online</strong></h1></a> may be a good choice. It provides its members with actually beneficial?prices?and high quality services.discount coach handbags, leaders and affordable for the American luxury brand known to create attractive designer <a href="http://www.coachoutletfactoryss.com" title="coach outlet"><h1><strong>coach outlet</strong></h1></a> online store and accessories.There certainly are a amount of methods to acquire affordable coach products at <a href="http://www.coachoutletfactoryss.com" title="coach factory outlet"><h1><strong>coach factory outlet</strong></h1></a>,it could possibly the most effective options.the most vital cause may be the reality that you simply can purchase genuine coach products at there.If people began to create a certain coach handbags, this fashionable line will be a coach. It will remind people of happy time when they like <a href="http://www.coachoutletfactoryss.com" title="coach factory store"><h1><strong>coach factory store</strong></h1></a>.It may be a good helper for me.</p>
    ericachen
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Brits: Facebook is more vital than a mobile phone, shower, toilet

    Not at any time considered that it definitely was this easy in any circumstance. I'd invested a great offer of my time seeking anyone to explain this make a difference <a href="http://www.cheap-nfl-store.com" style="text-decoration: none; color: black;">nfl store</a> evidently and you might be the a single one which really did that. Kudos to suit your needs!
    jackson1984-24316069205748857739440257893812
    Reply Vote
CNET Join | Log In | Privacy | Cookies Close