to think its a tad ironic for want of a better word

[scuzy]

that threads that talk about money issues and literally not being able to afford food on the table are being posted on the internet???? is the internet more important that heat/electricity/food bill?

and its not only here i have seen it on other forums too.

many of those threads will be by people who have had an unseen expense which has wiped tehir account out after paying for their internet.

many people get internet as a yearly contract with their phone provider so have no choice but to keep it even if circumstances change.

Some people take out internet contracts and then their financial circustances change, yet they are still obliged to pay the bill. Others may need internet access for studying or work. I do, but have very little disposable income and sometimes struggle financially.

perhaps they're nicking the internet from neighbours, or using a cafe, or the library

it's cheap isn't it too these days

so the internet is no longer a luxury?

its always the way OP

no it isn't a luxury

bills cheaper if you pay online aren't they

No, for some people the internet isn't a luxury. Internet access is a pre-requisite for me to do my degree, and I've read other posts before from people in the same position.

You can get free internet along with your phone line depending on your supplier.

I think that if you have children then you need internet/computer access. They don't always get enough time on a computer in school to be fully computer literate. For the disabled it cuts down on the feelings of isolation.

The internet is a cheap form of leisure and can save you money on your shopping. But then i am also of the opinion that relative poverty destroys self esteem and is damaging. Life in the UK should be more than enough food to eat and clothes on your back. We are a wealthy country.

yes that's true, universities expect you to have internet as well as upto date software packages

Ours comes free with our land-line phone provider and before that we had it via our techie neighbour (with his agreement obviously) so it cost us nothing.

People could also be using the internet at their local library, at friends/family etc. so I think its unfair to presume people are prioritising the internet over food/heat etc

Nowadays, the internet is as much an everyday commodity as having a tv or a phone, not a luxury. It is very cheap compared to when it first came out, and most people use it daily.

Most definitely not a luxury, if it ever really was.

guess i didnt think of the contracts or deals ye might get. i can understand for work and study etc but it often crossed my mind as i read some post i have a fiver to last me the week etc and they posting online!

Also, as others have said, you have no idea where they are posting from. Could be the library, which is free.

true Tee.

apologies folks obv a silly ignorant assumption to make.

essential,
without the internet i could not do my online shop as i do not drive as am disabled .schools here email letters to parents not send out ( seniors) .i pay my bills on line .I keep incontact with people becuas eotherwise it could get very lonely which could lead to depression .~I bank online as could not get to a bank

ds2 needs it for school .