How the Internet Has Changed the Workday -- or -- Things You Can Do at Work to Look Like You're Working if Nobody Sits Behind You

1. Watch Cute Animal Videos

One of the few genres of online video that doesn’t require sound to be enjoyed. So whether headphones are allowed or not, these videos will brighten even the darkest day.

Pitfalls to be wary of:

1. Accidentally clicking on a scary animal attack video.

2. Falling in love and seeing how much it would cost to order a baby raccoon or a teacup pig, and then making the snap decision to get both. Though fun a first, this can easily backfire. It’s really gonna break your heart when you have to leave those little guys home alone all day while you're at work watching videos of other raccoons and pigs whose owners have the time to take video of them—even though they aren’t anywhere near as cute as Lil Bandit or Porky.

2. G-Chat

Talk to your friends while sitting at your desk, typing away. Your co-workers will think you’re diligently working, when really you’re being filled in on what you did last night while blackout drunk.

Pitfalls to be wary of:

1. Signing into chat and finding either nobody available, or nobody you actually want to chat with available, and subsequently slipping into a deep depression.

2. Even though the conversation is online, emotions expressed in response to the conversation (like laughing, scoffing, or quietly sobbing) are not online, but rather, are out loud. Expressing emotions out loud is usually frowned upon in the workplace. Not to mention, it sort of let’s everyone know that your mind is so far away from your work that you not only forgot you were at work, you forgot you were in public at all.

3. Shop Online

This is a great pastime because it often results in you getting new stuff. Plus there’s something exhilarating about making money and spending money at the exact same time.

Pitfalls to be wary of:

1. Insecure Internet connection making your credit card number, address, and waist size public information.

2. Buying things you don’t really need/want just to make the workday go by a little bit faster. Fuzzy Crocs might seem like a great idea because fuzzy sounds inviting (especially in the morning when you’re missing your bed) and because you could kill at least an hour browsing their color combos. It’s all innocent enough until a pair of Cleveland Browns fuzzy Crocs show up on your doorstep. Brown and orange? You can’t even wear those in the privacy of your home without feeling dumb.