Introducing cyber-loafing as a coping mechanism for suicidal ideation resulting from social isolation, and domestic violence, among employees

Abstract

Cyberloafing, commonly viewed as the misuse of the internet at work, results in significant financial losses estimated at about $85 billion annually. Workers engage in cyberloafing, spending approximately two hours daily on non-work-related internet activities, which is traditionally seen as counterproductive. However, recent studies suggest that cyberloafing might also yield positive workplace outcomes, particularly in mitigating negative emotions and behaviors that could lead to suicidal ideation. This study explores the potential of cyberloafing as a coping mechanism in contexts of social isolation, and domestic violence, as contributors to suicidal thoughts. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, the research involved 467 participants from a mental health and rehabilitation center, assessed via closed-ended questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data. Findings indicate that social isolation, and domestic violence, significantly contribute to suicidal ideation, cyberloafing negatively moderates the relationships between both social isolation, domestic violence, and suicidal thoughts. These results highlight a complex perspective on cyberloafing, suggesting that it could be strategically used to alleviate negative emotional states. The implications are substantial for organizational management, providing a nuanced understanding that could inform strategies to harness cyberloafing's potential benefits, thereby reducing counterproductive behaviors and enhancing employee wellbeing.