Unveiling the dynamics of cyberloafing and cyberslacking: A Systematic bibliometric review

Kenny Roz; Hunik Sri Runing Sawitri

doi:10.31893/multirev.2025220

Keywords:

counterproductive behavior

coping mechanism

cyberloafing behavior

workplace deviance

bibliometric

Abstract

This study focuses on cyberloafing and cyberslacking behavior in the workplace. Study Literature review was chosen as the research data search instrument, and then bibliometric literature as data processing was analyzed with VosViewer software's help. The VOSviewer software analysis technique was used to examine articles submitted via the Scopus database which was taken as a reference for researchers. The article findings are referred to from 2002 to 2024 with a total of 354 articles, and only 221 articles analyzed have been adjusted to the filtering stage. Then, the researcher clarified the description of the results using VOSviewer software to examine coauthorship and coaccuracy. This study provides overall bibliometric objectives for future researchers according to the topics discussed. There are two different views regarding cyberloafing and cyberslacking in the workplace, on the one side, it is detrimental to the organization and on the other side, it provides benefits for individuals. Cyberloafing and cyberslacking behavior is carried out without reason. Decreased work motivation, emotional exhaustion, experiencing work stress, and self-failure to control triggers this perpetrator.
References
1. Agarwal, U. A., & Avey, J. B. (2020). Abusive supervisors and employees who cyberloaf: Examining the roles of psychological capital and contract breach. Internet Research, 30(3), 789–809. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-05-2019-0208
2. Alanoğlu, M., & Karabatak, S. (2021). Examining of the Smartphone Cyberloafing in the Class: Relationship with the Attitude towards Learning and Prevention of Cyberloafing. International Journal of Technology in Education, 351–372. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.84
3. Alharthi, S., Levy, Y., Wang, L., & Hur, I. (2021). Employees’ Mobile Cyberslacking and Their Commitment to the Organization. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 61(2), 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2019.1571455
4. Andel, S. A., Kessler, S. R., Pindek, S., Kleinman, G., & Spector, P. E. (2019). Is cyberloafing more complex than we originally thought? Cyberloafing as a coping response to workplace aggression exposure. Computers in Human Behavior, 101(June 2018), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.013
5. Askew, K. L. (2012). The relationship between cyberloafing and task performance and an examination of the theory of planned behavior as a model of cyberloafing (Doctoral thesis). University of South Florida.
6. Baker, T. L., Hunt, T. G., & Andrews, M. C. (2006). Promoting ethical behavior and organizational citizenship behaviors: The influence of corporate ethical values. Journal of Business Research, 59(7), 849–857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.02.004
7. Batabyal, S. K., & Bhal, K. T. (2020). Traditional cyberloafing, mobile cyberloafing and personal mobile-internet loafing in business organizations: Exploring cognitive ethical logics. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 18(4), 631–647. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-07-2019-0081
8. Betts, T. K., Setterstrom, A. J., Pearson, J. M., & Totty, S. (2014). Explaining cyberloafing through a theoretical integration of theory of interpersonal behavior and theory of organizational justice. Journal of Organizational and End User Computing, 26(4), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.4018/joeuc.2014100102
9. Blanchard, A. L., & Henle, C. A. (2008). Correlates of different forms of cyberloafing: The role of norms and external locus of control. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(3), 1067–1084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.03.008
10. Chavan, M., Galperin, B. L., Ostle, A., & Behl, A. (2022). Millennial’s perception on cyberloafing: workplace deviance or cultural norm? Behaviour and Information Technology, 41(13), 2860–2877. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2021.1956588
11. Coskun, T. K., & Gokcearslan, S. (2019). World Journal on Educational Technology : Current Issues Examination of cyberloafing studies in education : A content analysis. World Journal on Educational Technology, 11(1), 94–103.
12. Durak, H. Y. (2020). Cyberloafing in Learning Environments Where Online Social Networking Sites Are Used as Learning Tools: Antecedents and Consequences. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 58(3), 539–569. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633119867766
13. Eck, N., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
14. Elrehail, H., Rehman, S. U., Chaudhry, N. I., & Alzghoul, A. (2021). Nexus among cyberloafing behavior, job demands and job resources: A mediated-moderated model. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 4731–4749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10496-1
15. Ferris, D. L., Spence, J. R., Brown, D. J., & Heller, D. (2012). Interpersonal Injustice and Workplace Deviance: The Role of Esteem Threat. Journal of Management, 38(6), 1788–1811. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206310372259
16. Flanigan, A. E., & Kiewra, K. A. (2018). What College Instructors Can Do About Student Cyber-slacking. Educational Psychology Review, 30(2), 585–597. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-017-9418-2
17. Ince, M., & Gül, H. (2011). The relation of cyber slacking behaviors with various organizational outputs: Example of Karamanoǧlu Mehmetbey University. European Journal of Scientific Research, 52(4), 507–527.
18. Jansen, A., Dima, A. M., Biclesanu, I., & Point, S. (2022). Research Topics in Career Success throughout Time: A Bibliometric Analysis. Management and Marketing, 17(3), 292–305. https://doi.org/10.2478/mmcks-2022-0016
19. Jia, H., Jia, R., & Karau, S. (2013). Cyberloafing and personality: The impact of the Big Five traits and workplace situational factors. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 20(3), 358–365. https://doi.org/10.1177/1548051813488208
20. Johnson, P. R., & Indvik, J. (2003). The organizational benefits of reducing Cyberslacking in the workplace. Proceedings of the Academy of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict, 7(2), 53–59.
21. Karimi Mazidi, A., Rahimnia, F., Mortazavi, S., & Lagzian, M. (2020). Cyberloafing in public sector of developing countries: job embeddedness as a context. Personnel Review, 50(7–8), 1705–1738. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2020-0026
22. Khan, A., Raheem, F., Sheraz, F., & Hussain Awan, S. (2023). Employees’ Cyber Loafing And Performance In The Telecom Sector Of Pakistan: The Mediating Role Of Psychological Well-Being And The Moderating Role Of Internal Locus Of Control. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 2023(4), 794–812. http://journalppw.com
23. Koay, K. Y., & Soh, P. C. H. (2018). Should cyberloafing be allowed in the workplace? Human Resource Management International Digest, 26(7), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-05-2018-0107
24. Liberman, B., Seidman, G., McKenna, K. Y. A., & Buffardi, L. E. (2011). Employee job attitudes and organizational characteristics as predictors of cyberloafing. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(6), 2192–2199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.06.015
25. Lim, V. K. G. (2002). The IT way of loafing on the job. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 23(5), 675–694.
26. Lim, V. K. G., & Teo, T. S. H. (2005). Prevalence, perceived seriousness, justification and regulation of cyberloafing in Singapore: An exploratory study. Information and Management, 42(8), 1081–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2004.12.002
27. Lu, X., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Lu, Q. (2024). From Stress to Screen: Understanding Cyberloafing through Cognitive and Affective Pathways. Behavioral Sciences, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030249
28. Luqman, A., Masood, A., Shahzad, F., Imran Rasheed, M., & Weng, Q. (2020). Enterprise Social Media and Cyber-slacking: An Integrated Perspective. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 36(15), 1426–1436. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2020.1752475
29. Narayanan, K., & Murphy, S. E. (2017). Conceptual Framework on Workplace Deviance Behaviour: A Review. Journal of Human Values, 23(3), 218–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/0971685817713284
30. Nasir, M., & Bashir, A. (2012). Examining workplace deviance in public sector organizations of Pakistan. International Journal of Social Economics, 39(4), 240–253. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291211205677
31. O’Neill, T. A., Hambley, L. A., & Chatellier, G. S. (2014). Cyberslacking, engagement, and personality in distributed work environments. Computers in Human Behavior, 40, 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.08.005
32. Ozler, D. E., & Polat, G. (2012). Cyberloafing phenomenon in organizations: determinants and impacts. International Journal of EBusiness and EGovernment Studies, 4(2), 1–15.
33. Roemer, R. C., & Borchardt, R. (2012). From bibliometrics to altmetrics. College and Research Libraries News, 73(10), 596–600. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.73.10.8846
34. Sheikh, A., Atashgah, M. S., & Adibzadegan, M. (2015). The antecedents of cyberloafing: A case study in an Iranian copper industry. Computers in Human Behavior, 51(PA), 172–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.042
35. Suranta, J., & Hurriyati, D. (2019). Perilaku Cyberloafing Terhadap Kontrol Diri Pada Pegawai. Jurnal Ilmiah Psyche, 12(2), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.33557/jpsyche.v12i2.491
36. Tandon, A., Kaur, P., Ruparel, N., Islam, J. U., & Dhir, A. (2022). Cyberloafing and cyberslacking in the workplace: systematic literature review of past achievements and future promises. Internet Research, 32(1), 55–89. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-06-2020-0332
37. Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review *. British Journal of Management, 14, 207–222.
38. Vitak, J., Crouse, J., & Larose, R. (2011). Personal Internet use at work: Understanding cyberslacking. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(5), 1751–1759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.03.002
39. Wagner, D. T., Barnes, C. M., Lim, V. K. G., & Ferris, D. L. (2012). Lost sleep and cyberloafing: Evidence from the laboratory and a daylight saving time quasi-experiment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 97(5), 1068–1076. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027557
40. Wagner, D. T., Barnes, C. M., Lim, V. K. G., Ferris, D. L., Ugrin, J. C., Pearson, J. M., Sheikh, A., Atashgah, M. S., Adibzadegan, M., Metin, I., Dilek, O., Saygılı, D., Metin-orta, I., Khansa, L., Barkhi, R., Ray, S., Davis, Z., Davis, Z., Elrehail, H., … Durak, H. Y. (2021). An investigation of cyberloafing in a large-scale technology organization from the perspective of the theory of interpersonal behavior. Computers in Human Behavior, 11(2), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.04.006
41. Wu, J., Song, M., Zoghbi-Manrique-de-Lara, P., Jiang, H., Guo, S., & Zhang, W. (2023). Why cyberloafing can be socially learned in the workplace: the role of employees’ perceived certainty of formal and informal sanctions. Information Technology and People, 36(4), 1603–1625. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-06-2021-0464
42. Zoghbi, P. de L. (2012). Reconsidering the boundaries of the cyberloafing activity: The case of a university. Behaviour and Information Technology, 31(5), 469–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2010.549511

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Roz, K., & Sawitri, H. S. R. (2025). Unveiling the dynamics of cyberloafing and cyberslacking: A Systematic bibliometric review. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(7), 2025220. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025220

[1] Agarwal, U. A., & Avey, J. B. (2020). Abusive supervisors and employees who cyberloaf: Examining the roles of psychological capital and contract breach. Internet Research, 30(3), 789–809. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-05-2019-0208

[2] Alanoğlu, M., & Karabatak, S. (2021). Examining of the Smartphone Cyberloafing in the Class: Relationship with the Attitude towards Learning and Prevention of Cyberloafing. International Journal of Technology in Education, 351–372. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.84

[3] Alharthi, S., Levy, Y., Wang, L., & Hur, I. (2021). Employees’ Mobile Cyberslacking and Their Commitment to the Organization. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 61(2), 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2019.1571455

[4] Andel, S. A., Kessler, S. R., Pindek, S., Kleinman, G., & Spector, P. E. (2019). Is cyberloafing more complex than we originally thought? Cyberloafing as a coping response to workplace aggression exposure. Computers in Human Behavior, 101(June 2018), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.013

[5] Askew, K. L. (2012). The relationship between cyberloafing and task performance and an examination of the theory of planned behavior as a model of cyberloafing (Doctoral thesis). University of South Florida.

[6] Baker, T. L., Hunt, T. G., & Andrews, M. C. (2006). Promoting ethical behavior and organizational citizenship behaviors: The influence of corporate ethical values. Journal of Business Research, 59(7), 849–857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.02.004

[7] Batabyal, S. K., & Bhal, K. T. (2020). Traditional cyberloafing, mobile cyberloafing and personal mobile-internet loafing in business organizations: Exploring cognitive ethical logics. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 18(4), 631–647. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-07-2019-0081

[8] Betts, T. K., Setterstrom, A. J., Pearson, J. M., & Totty, S. (2014). Explaining cyberloafing through a theoretical integration of theory of interpersonal behavior and theory of organizational justice. Journal of Organizational and End User Computing, 26(4), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.4018/joeuc.2014100102

[9] Blanchard, A. L., & Henle, C. A. (2008). Correlates of different forms of cyberloafing: The role of norms and external locus of control. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(3), 1067–1084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.03.008

[10] Chavan, M., Galperin, B. L., Ostle, A., & Behl, A. (2022). Millennial’s perception on cyberloafing: workplace deviance or cultural norm? Behaviour and Information Technology, 41(13), 2860–2877. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2021.1956588

[11] Coskun, T. K., & Gokcearslan, S. (2019). World Journal on Educational Technology : Current Issues Examination of cyberloafing studies in education : A content analysis. World Journal on Educational Technology, 11(1), 94–103.

[12] Durak, H. Y. (2020). Cyberloafing in Learning Environments Where Online Social Networking Sites Are Used as Learning Tools: Antecedents and Consequences. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 58(3), 539–569. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633119867766

[13] Eck, N., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3

[14] Elrehail, H., Rehman, S. U., Chaudhry, N. I., & Alzghoul, A. (2021). Nexus among cyberloafing behavior, job demands and job resources: A mediated-moderated model. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 4731–4749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10496-1

[15] Ferris, D. L., Spence, J. R., Brown, D. J., & Heller, D. (2012). Interpersonal Injustice and Workplace Deviance: The Role of Esteem Threat. Journal of Management, 38(6), 1788–1811. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206310372259

[16] Flanigan, A. E., & Kiewra, K. A. (2018). What College Instructors Can Do About Student Cyber-slacking. Educational Psychology Review, 30(2), 585–597. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-017-9418-2

[17] Ince, M., & Gül, H. (2011). The relation of cyber slacking behaviors with various organizational outputs: Example of Karamanoǧlu Mehmetbey University. European Journal of Scientific Research, 52(4), 507–527.

[18] Jansen, A., Dima, A. M., Biclesanu, I., & Point, S. (2022). Research Topics in Career Success throughout Time: A Bibliometric Analysis. Management and Marketing, 17(3), 292–305. https://doi.org/10.2478/mmcks-2022-0016

[19] Jia, H., Jia, R., & Karau, S. (2013). Cyberloafing and personality: The impact of the Big Five traits and workplace situational factors. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 20(3), 358–365. https://doi.org/10.1177/1548051813488208

[20] Johnson, P. R., & Indvik, J. (2003). The organizational benefits of reducing Cyberslacking in the workplace. Proceedings of the Academy of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict, 7(2), 53–59.

[21] Karimi Mazidi, A., Rahimnia, F., Mortazavi, S., & Lagzian, M. (2020). Cyberloafing in public sector of developing countries: job embeddedness as a context. Personnel Review, 50(7–8), 1705–1738. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2020-0026

[22] Khan, A., Raheem, F., Sheraz, F., & Hussain Awan, S. (2023). Employees’ Cyber Loafing And Performance In The Telecom Sector Of Pakistan: The Mediating Role Of Psychological Well-Being And The Moderating Role Of Internal Locus Of Control. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 2023(4), 794–812. http://journalppw.com

[23] Koay, K. Y., & Soh, P. C. H. (2018). Should cyberloafing be allowed in the workplace? Human Resource Management International Digest, 26(7), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-05-2018-0107

[24] Liberman, B., Seidman, G., McKenna, K. Y. A., & Buffardi, L. E. (2011). Employee job attitudes and organizational characteristics as predictors of cyberloafing. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(6), 2192–2199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.06.015

[25] Lim, V. K. G. (2002). The IT way of loafing on the job. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 23(5), 675–694.

[26] Lim, V. K. G., & Teo, T. S. H. (2005). Prevalence, perceived seriousness, justification and regulation of cyberloafing in Singapore: An exploratory study. Information and Management, 42(8), 1081–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2004.12.002

[27] Lu, X., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Lu, Q. (2024). From Stress to Screen: Understanding Cyberloafing through Cognitive and Affective Pathways. Behavioral Sciences, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030249

[28] Luqman, A., Masood, A., Shahzad, F., Imran Rasheed, M., & Weng, Q. (2020). Enterprise Social Media and Cyber-slacking: An Integrated Perspective. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 36(15), 1426–1436. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2020.1752475

[29] Narayanan, K., & Murphy, S. E. (2017). Conceptual Framework on Workplace Deviance Behaviour: A Review. Journal of Human Values, 23(3), 218–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/0971685817713284

[30] Nasir, M., & Bashir, A. (2012). Examining workplace deviance in public sector organizations of Pakistan. International Journal of Social Economics, 39(4), 240–253. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291211205677

[31] O’Neill, T. A., Hambley, L. A., & Chatellier, G. S. (2014). Cyberslacking, engagement, and personality in distributed work environments. Computers in Human Behavior, 40, 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.08.005

[32] Ozler, D. E., & Polat, G. (2012). Cyberloafing phenomenon in organizations: determinants and impacts. International Journal of EBusiness and EGovernment Studies, 4(2), 1–15.

[33] Roemer, R. C., & Borchardt, R. (2012). From bibliometrics to altmetrics. College and Research Libraries News, 73(10), 596–600. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.73.10.8846

[34] Sheikh, A., Atashgah, M. S., & Adibzadegan, M. (2015). The antecedents of cyberloafing: A case study in an Iranian copper industry. Computers in Human Behavior, 51(PA), 172–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.042

[35] Suranta, J., & Hurriyati, D. (2019). Perilaku Cyberloafing Terhadap Kontrol Diri Pada Pegawai. Jurnal Ilmiah Psyche, 12(2), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.33557/jpsyche.v12i2.491

[36] Tandon, A., Kaur, P., Ruparel, N., Islam, J. U., & Dhir, A. (2022). Cyberloafing and cyberslacking in the workplace: systematic literature review of past achievements and future promises. Internet Research, 32(1), 55–89. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-06-2020-0332

[37] Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review *. British Journal of Management, 14, 207–222.

[38] Vitak, J., Crouse, J., & Larose, R. (2011). Personal Internet use at work: Understanding cyberslacking. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(5), 1751–1759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.03.002

[39] Wagner, D. T., Barnes, C. M., Lim, V. K. G., & Ferris, D. L. (2012). Lost sleep and cyberloafing: Evidence from the laboratory and a daylight saving time quasi-experiment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 97(5), 1068–1076. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027557

[40] Wagner, D. T., Barnes, C. M., Lim, V. K. G., Ferris, D. L., Ugrin, J. C., Pearson, J. M., Sheikh, A., Atashgah, M. S., Adibzadegan, M., Metin, I., Dilek, O., Saygılı, D., Metin-orta, I., Khansa, L., Barkhi, R., Ray, S., Davis, Z., Davis, Z., Elrehail, H., … Durak, H. Y. (2021). An investigation of cyberloafing in a large-scale technology organization from the perspective of the theory of interpersonal behavior. Computers in Human Behavior, 11(2), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.04.006

[41] Wu, J., Song, M., Zoghbi-Manrique-de-Lara, P., Jiang, H., Guo, S., & Zhang, W. (2023). Why cyberloafing can be socially learned in the workplace: the role of employees’ perceived certainty of formal and informal sanctions. Information Technology and People, 36(4), 1603–1625. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-06-2021-0464

[42] Zoghbi, P. de L. (2012). Reconsidering the boundaries of the cyberloafing activity: The case of a university. Behaviour and Information Technology, 31(5), 469–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2010.549511

Abstract

References

How to cite