Cyber technology has created new opportunities for workplace deviance by giving employees greater access to digital tools that can be misused, often without being immediately noticed. From cyberloafing and excessive personal internet use to data breaches and online harassment, these behaviors are easier to carry out in a tech-driven work environment, especially when supervision is limited, like in remote or hybrid setups. Weatherbee and Kelloway (2006) describe this as cyberdeviance, or the intentional misuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in ways that go against organizational norms. They argue that the anonymity and ease of access provided by technology can lower employees’ inhibitions, making deviant behaviors more likely. With blurred boundaries between work and personal life, particularly in virtual settings, employees may feel more comfortable bending the rules. This shift highlights the importance of having clear digital policies and accountability measures in place to reduce the risk of tech-enabled misconduct in the workplace.

Reference:

Weatherbee, T. G., & Kelloway, E. K. (2006). Counterproductive use of technology at work: Information & communications technologies and cyberdeviancy. Human Resource Management Review, 16(2), 106–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2006.03.008