Which craving is most persuasive: the one for sex, cigarettes, or social networking? Those who feel that sex is the most powerful could be in for a surprise. In a recent study, participants reported that they wanted to check their social networking profiles on sites like MyDot, Facebook or twitter more often than they experienced cravings for cigarettes, booze or even sex.

The study followed 250 people in Germany for one week. In the study, participants were asked to text the researchers seven times each day with what they were craving most at that moment. They were asked to identify the desire and how strong it was. Respondents reported a desire to check in on social networks far more often than they did an urge for alcohol, cigarettes or sex. 

The study’s author said that he believes the urge to interact on social media was strongest because social media’s ubiquity makes it the easiest urge to satisfy. After all, it’s much simpler to take a quick peek at your Facebook page at work than it is to sneak out for a quickie. The study also found that, the harder someone tried to resist an urge, the stronger it became.

While all of that can sound like pretty dire news for your love life, it can actually be good news for your online dating life. While people seem to desire social media interaction more than sex, that doesn’t mean that sexual interest is getting pushed to the sidelines. Think about it this way: how many times a day do you check your social network of choice versus how many times you have sex? That urge to connect and see what’s up online extends to activities on dating sites. When you send engaging online dating messages, your chances of hearing back are great. 

Photo: betacam