Broadband provider TalkTalk UK ( AOL UK , Opal ) has today published the results of a new survey, which found that nearly a fifth of Britons believe the Internet will have a bigger impact on their lives this year than in 2009. This rose to 25% in the North West, 22% in the West Midlands and 21% in Wales.

The new survey, which explores the nation’s attitudes and plans for 2010 in areas including technology and money, revealed 61% will use the Internet to shop for better deals this year and 37% will use it manage their finances. One in 20 (5%) are also planning to find a partner via the Internet. Overall, 50% of Brits will try new things online this year.


Worryingly 45% think this year will be harder than last year financially for them and over half (52%) of those aged over 65 expect to be worse off. Brits living in the South West and the West Midlands (54%) were also the most concerned about finding 2010 harder financially than 2009. Encouragingly though, 62% of 18-24 year olds are looking to save.