Italians have a burgeoning love-hate relationship with their telefonini (mobiles phones) according to a report published by market researchers, Astra Ricerche, for Finnish company Nokia. The study, based on the responses of 2,000 Italian consumers, revealed that 35 per cent of those surveyed leave their mobiles on while they sleep and that only three per cent would definitely switch off their phones while they were making love. Three-quarters of those questioned owned a mobile and most of them (70 per cent) believe that owning one has improved their social lives, with 21 per cent believing they have more friends because of their pocket-sized mate. Over half (52 per cent), however, regret being so easily reachable at all times of the day and complain of having lost their independence because of their mobiles.