Most Americans find Internet access essential to daily life, with some favoring it over TV and having sex, according to a survey by Harris Interactive done on behalf of Intel.

The survey found that the majority of Americans (65%) feel they cannot live without Internet access.  In addition 71 percent said it is important or very important to have Internet-enabled devices, such as laptops, netbooks and mobile Internet devices that offer them updates on important issues including the economy.

Most U.S. adults recognize the Internet as a key tool in today’s economy for managing personal finances, finding bargains while shopping online, finding information about dining out, shopping for clothes and gym memberships.

Nearly half of women (46%) and 30 percent of men would rather go without sex for 2 weeks than give up Internet access for the same amount of time. For women 18-34 it was 40 percent and for women 35-44 it was 52 percent. For men 18-34, it was 39 percent.

Almost all of Americans (95%) feel that it is very important, or somewhat important for people to have devices that allow them to access the Internet. Eighty-seven percent say Internet access has helped them save money. Eighty-four percent have save money by comparing prices online and finding the best deals before making a purchase.

Over half (60%) have save money just by shopping online and sixty-five percent say the Internet helped them save money by finding coupons or special Internet promotions.

The majority (61%) of women would rather give up watching TV for 2 weeks instead of giving up access to the Internet for only 1 week, and more than half of people agree.

Nine out of 10 adults (91%) indicated that the ability to access the Internet has improved at least one aspect of their lives. Seventy-eight percent said it has allowed them to stay in better touch with family and friends. Close to half (47%) say they are able to better manage their finances because of the Internet through activities such as online banking and paying bills.