According to recent survey, the number of Internet users in the U.S. is expected to expand by 3.1% in 2012 to 239 million, representing 75.6% of the total population. Only three other nations in the world have populations with a higher percentage of Internet users. And, in terms of sheer number of users, only China has more people using the Internet than the U.S. (although only 38.4% of China’s total population has Internet access). Some see this as progress and believe that — in today’s modern world — increased Internet access for all is a good thing. After all, the Internet has revolutionized communication as we know it. As its name implies, the “world wide web” delivers a world of information, goods people and ideas to any computer, tablet or phone with the click of a button. The problem is that the Web does indeed deliver a world of goods, information, people and ideas to any computer, tablet or phone with the click of a button… and all those goods, information, people and ideas are not necessarily needed, useful or good. As with every innovation, the Internet has advantages and also disadvantages.
Setting aside the moral challenges raised by some of the questionable content found on the Internet (which is not the focus of discussion here), from a purely business standpoint, unfettered Internet access at work does have its drawbacks. While most may be quick to embrace the advantages of the Internet, it may be wise to also consider and weigh its disadvantages carefully. After all, business owners, leaders and managers are forever focused on making the most of their organization’s resources, minimizing the risks and maximizing the return. It stands to reason that a similar cost-benefit analysis should be done on the impact of Internet use at work. Here are five significant costs generated by providing unlimited Internet access in the workplace which hurt the bottom line. Continue reading
