People are using a secret network of email addresses and cyber identities to manage hectic lifestyles and conduct illicit affairs.

Brighton and Hove residents have more than 718,000 online personalities, while 15 per cent have more than five email addresses.

A report by Post Office Telecoms claims many people sign up for multiple email accounts to keep secrets from partners and talk to lovers. The research shows men are more than twice as likely as women to keep online secrets and conduct affairs.

The online revolution shows 80% of internet users in Brighton and Hove now have multiple email accounts.

Nationally, 57% of British internet users said they logged on to more than one account to keep personal and professional lives separate. A total of 27% admitted they had sneakily signed up to other accounts to conduct affairs.

Dan, a Brighton office worker, said he had several email addresses to keep his work and home lives separate.

He said he had never used a secret email address to cheat on his girlfriend but knew of people who had. He said: "I don't think they were caught but it isn't something I would do. I have three email addresses but hardly use one as it was an old one I set up at university. I use a Yahoo account for my personal emails as you never know who will be able to check work emails."

Only a few close friends know his personal email address. He said: "You have to be careful of people stealing your identity on the internet so sometimes it is easier to make up your own."

People in Brighton and Hove were not as covert as those in the North East where 16% have five or more email addresses and online identities. In the Midlands and Wales, 11% have five or more addresses.

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