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A survey has found that two-thirds of Facebook members under 35 believe that the social network carries more influence than the UK government, with one-third claiming that they would not quit the site "for any amount of money."

The survey, carried out by advertising agency McCann, revealed that 58 per cent of young Facebook users consider the world's largest social network has a "signifcant influence" on society.

One in three users under 35 (37 per cent) would need to be paid over £50,000 to cancel their accounts, with 31% saying that they would never leave it, regardless of how much money they were offered.

Head of consumer trends at McCann London, Dean Ashraf, said in a statement: "The speed at which Facebook has become ingrained into British society has been astounding, with many people - especially those at the younger end of the age spectrum - so enamoured with the service that only a significant amount of money (or even no money at all) - would persuade them to deactivate their profile."

Seventy seven per cent of the UK's 48.6 million adult population now belongs to Facebook, according to data compiled by social media agency Umpf.

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