Internet as stressful as a bungee jump?

Early research done for the project suggests that, for some, using the net is as stressful as a bungee jump.

Official statistics on UK net use suggest that 39% of households do not have web access.

Dr David Lewis, the lead psychologist employed on the project, said that for many people the biggest barrier to getting online was mental as many of those avoiding the net lived in homes with a dedicated connection.

He said: "More often the barriers are internal, stemming from a fear of the technology."

"It will be interesting to see whether the trial will be enough to build the participants' online confidence, or whether more needs to be done in terms of support and guidance to help them to become tech savvy," he said.

By contrast to novices, many seasoned net users find the experience of going online very relaxing, said Dr Lewis.