The dual nature of cyberloafing

Abstract Cyberloafing occurs when employees use electronic devices for nonwork activities while at work. It can have both constructive (means of regulating stress) and destructive (form of counterproductive work behavior) impact. For jobs where there is a fixed schedule of work versus break time, defining cyberloafing is clearcut. In other jobs where employees are allowed to self‐regulate their work flows, it can be difficult to distinguish cyberloafing from legitimate breaks.