How to Appear Busy While Using a Computer

Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: February 10, 2023

For people in school, at work or doing some "homework" using a computer on a daily/hourly basis, this wikiHow explains how you can look productive while not actually doing anything or just procrastinating without letting anyone know. If you have the inclination to look busy, but be doing nothing work-related, read on from step number one below.

Steps

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Alt-tab can also be useful here.
Intersperse work with downtime by working for a few moments followed by IMing, Facebooking, Googling, or whatever it is you feel like doing. This way you can relax and do your job, albeit slowly, at the same time.

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It looks like work, and takes a good amount of typing to do. It's a perfect cover, but won't impress your boss if you're being paid to do tasks.
That way no one can see what you're doing. Do a lot of typing that looks productive.
Make sure that even if you aren't doing much work, have something that looks like work open, such as an end of quarter PowerPoint or something of the sort.

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How can I look productive while doing absolutely nothing?

Jean

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Put on a long article with small text and just stare at it, changing it once in a while so it looks like you're reading it.

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What do I do if I have hemorrhoids?

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Get yourself a medicated cream and a doughnut pillow to sit on.

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What happens if I get caught?

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It depends on who catches you and what you were supposed to be doing. You might get in trouble, or they might not care at all.

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Tips

If you are at work, a library, or any other public place, it may be a good idea to strategically place open books, folders, or papers on and around your desk or table. Be sure to turn the pages once in a while, or pretend to read them, to increase believability.

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When somebody tells you something, don't answer immediately and say, 'Shh, I'm trying to work!" Can't you see I'm busy? I can't focus both at you and at what I'm doing now!'

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In Windows, hitting the Windows and the D key simultaneously will take you to your Desktop instantly.

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Warnings

You might get caught, be alert at all times.

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Don't click out of something fast, that will draw a teacher or professor's attention. Just calmly click into another page or always go to Yahoo.com or Google!

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Don't play Solitaire/Minesweeper/any other silly game if you want to appear busy. Being caught doing something as trivial as that only shows how bored you really are.

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Don't appear to be too interested, that is a sign that you're not doing work.

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