Cyberloafing: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic literature review aims to synthesize and integrate existing empirical research on the antecedents and consequences of cyberloafing in workplace and educational settings. The review addresses two primary research questions: what individual, organizational, and technological factors predict cyberloafing behavior, and what are the main positive and negative outcomes associated with cyberloafing for employees and organizations.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in Scopus and Web of Science databases, supplemented by reference list screening. A total of 344 empirical studies published between 2002 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction, quality assessment, and narrative thematic synthesis.

Findings: Cyberloafing is influenced by individual factors (such as personality traits, psychological states, attitudes, and technology addiction), organizational factors (such as leadership styles and workplace stressors), and technological factors (including internet access and monitoring systems). Its consequences can be both negative (impaired performance and emotional exhaustion) and positive (stress relief and enhanced creativity). The overall effect varies depending on the type, frequency, and intensity of cyberloafing, as well as individual and contextual factors. Notably, over half of the studies were published between 2021 and 2025, with the Conservation of Resources theory as the main framework.