New York, May 26  If you enjoy being all by yourself, then you are not alone. Most people love to spend their time being alone than being surrounded by people, new study says.

The results of a recent Pew survey found that 85 percent of the surveyed people think it is “important” to have alone time, while 55 percent categorised alone time as “very important”, the Bustle.com reported.

The research, which focused on how Americans feel about security and privacy, also found that 79 percent of respondents felt it was either “very” or “somewhat” important that they should not be asked highly personal questions in social situations or at work.

A 2011 study found that people, who spend time alone have a more “well-functioning social life” than those who are constantly surrounded by others.

A Harvard study found that people are more likely to form far more accurate and lasting memories when they experience them alone.

While staying alone, we are not just enjoying the break from others but actually benefiting from it in ways we may not even have realised.

So, if you prefer being alone most of the time and are yet to venture out and do things alone — it is about time you did.