The BBC talked to several analysts and video on demand proprietors about a recent surge in interest for online pornography.

Although "traditional" porn sites were overtaken by social networking sites in terms of popularity, porn video on demand sites are booming. Statistically, demand for online filth peaks at around 11AM on Sundays, according to a video on demand site.

Alki David, founder of FilmOn is baffled, saying the data applies to men and women, and says the trend "poses the question about what has happened to the traditional 'day of rest' in Great Britain." According to David, the figures for January were unusually high, but he hasn't got a clue why.

"I have no idea," he told BBC News. "It may have to do with the Winter and the oncoming depression. Cheap entertainment seems to be faring quite well right now, and adult content is the most extreme distraction of all."

We're inclined to think the economy might have something to do with the surge in porn demand, as it is a quite cheap form of entertainment, and stressed out workers looking over their shoulder for the next round  of layoffa probably need a bit more relaxation than usual.

Hitwise research director Robin Goad claims social networking are still growing fast, and leaving porn sites behind. However, he doesn't believe there is any shift away from adult content overall.

"Adult entertainment is always at the forefront of technological advances on the internet, that's just fact," says Goad. "The reason that has been the case is because as humans we're instinctively drawn to that type of behaviour. I don't think there's anything particularly unusual in that in human terms. If anything, it sheds light on our true primal instincts."

More here.