A new survey by Vodafone, conducted to mark the launch of Vodafone Mobile Internet, found that people in the UK are becoming more and more reliant on the internet. Comedian, author and self confessed internet addict Dave Gorman talks buying clothes and internet stalkers.

The survey found that 88% of people felt the internet had changed the way they live their lives. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? I think it is inevitable. I would say largely for the good. The internet is a huge tool. It gives the little guy a voice which can't be bad. In the olden days someone would have to fight their way to the top to get themselves heard but now it's much easier. Anyone can post a political message or even publish a novel. It's also great for unsigned bands or anyone who wants to reach an audience.Do you use the internet a lot yourself? Yes I am addicted to the net. I spend most of the day writing so I'm sitting in front of a computer screen which happens to be connected to the internet so I find myself thinking 'oh I'll just check my emails' or 'i'll have a look at this link'. Before I know it 3 hours have disappeared very quickly. 20% of the people in the survey say that without the internet their personal relationships would suffer. What are your thoughts on Internet dating? Would you ever do it? I have never been involved in internet dating although I have had two marriage proposals and a few naked pictures sent to me by email which I find quite strange. I think there's something quite odd about a girl who sends pictures of herself naked over the internet.So did you respond to the marriage proposals?

No I never responded to any of them. I found it quite entertaining though. I was at a gig once- just packing up the kit- when a girl asked if I wanted a drink. I said no because I was driving. This girl was quite persistent and kept asking me. Anyway the next day I get an email off this girl inviting me to go on holiday to Ireland with her. Quite strange. However on the other hand the internet is also brilliant for keeping in contact with those people who you want to speak to. I have a lot of close friends abroad and I often talk to them and post photos for them to see. It's a great way to keep in touch.

Do you ever shop on the net?

I do buy music and books and things like that but I think there's something not quite right about buying clothes and shoes. I think it's something that you need to be able to touch and feel and try on before you buy.

What do you think about the affects illegal downloads have on the music industry?

I think the net is good for artists. It allows them to have a direct link from them to the consumer. They can reach an audience of 10,000 people through just one website. Its brilliant for reaching audiences and generating enough support and interest to allow new bands to fund a tour.

There has been a massive increase in the amount of young people using the internet, particularly on community and chat sites. Do you think this is healthy?

Well you can never know who is online and who you are really speaking to. This is OK for adults because they have the knowledge to work it out for themselves. But children are not always capable of doing that so it is important for parents to keep an eye on what their children are doing on the net.

So would you say it is the responsibility of the parents rather than the internet service provider?

The net is world wide- it has a global reach- so it would be really hard to regulate. Rules could be put in place and 90% of people would follow them but you can't always guarantee that everyone will. So the safest option is for parents to keep an eye on their kids internet use.

Away from the internet, what else are you up to at the moment?

We start recording a new series of Genius for Radio 4 next month. We've got six new celebrity guests including Catherine Tate who I am very excited about. When we choose the guests for the show we have the theory that we get 6 people in a room who would be a great panel on blankety blank.

Also I've got a book and a new documentary coming out in Spring. It's about a bit of travelling I did. We went to America and hired a second hand car then travelled from coast to coast without giving any money to big corporations such as McDonalds or Hilton and all that. It was a bit of a struggle and we did run out of petrol a few times but the book and TV show should be fun to look at.

Caz Moss