NSFW means “not suitable/safe for work”. I kept seeing this and finally looked it up. Merriam-Webster now has added NSFW to its online dictionary along with other social media favorites “meme”, “WTF”, “photobomb”, and “clickbait”. We’re constantly testing new words; they catch on and before long they’re officially part of our language. Our obsession with texting means that we’ve added acronyms to our language as well. This is how language evolves.

Introduction to the concept of “Not Suitable for Work” (NSFW) content

In a time where information and content are so accessible, the “Not Suitable for Work” (NSFW) refers to material that is not appropriate for viewing in a professional or public setting.

Real-Life Example of NSFW at Bank of America

This is my own textbook example of NSFW and its consequences. I used to work at Bank of America. After a long-drawn-out merger with Nations Bank, they orchestrated multiple rounds of layoffs until they reached our marketing department, ultimately laying off our rockstar team of 25 people. They kept a few people they figured they might need, among them, Oliver, a gay market research whiz.

In the merger aftermath, without a reporting structure, a boss or any projects, Oliver was a free agent. He started taking long lunches and spent part of his afternoons watching porn and, I suspect, masturbating (Sorry, I can’t validate this last part). He ultimately got busted and laid off, just like the rest of us. That porn channel clearly was NSFW! What does NSFW stand for? 

It’s content that’s explicit, or graphic images, videos or text

With the rise of social media platforms, online forums, and instant messaging apps, the prevalence of NSFW content has become an important ethical issue. In this article, we will discuss the impact of inappropriate content, the legal implications of sharing NSFW content, and the importance of setting boundaries in the workplace.

Examples of NSFW content

• NImages or videos with nudity: At the office, nudity is unacceptable.
• Photos that are suggestive, despite the fact that the subjects are dressed.
• Pornographic audio files: These are likely NSFW if the sound turns you on.
• Sexually explicit videos: If the content is rated R or is pornographic, wait until after work to start the video. You simply don’t know what your company is surveilling or recording.
• Violence: Other things besides suggestive sexual references can make people uncomfortable. Action movies and video games have contributed to the appetite for violence that we are now experiencing.

What does NSFW mean?

It has implications beyond text and photos to include conversation and clothing

There are broader implications of NSFW. It can include clothing. This is about “fetishwear”, which is difficult to define, but think extreme and provocative with lots of skin and holes. Fetishwear is what you may wear to a club on Saturday night, but it’s not appropriate in a work environment.

The impact of inappropriate content

The availability and easy access to inappropriate content have significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Exposure to such content can lead to negative outcomes, including desensitization, distorted perceptions of relationships and sexuality, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Inappropriate content can contribute to a toxic work environment. If there had been other employees around him, you can see how Oliver’s conduct could contribute to a toxic work environment—especially if he had been sharing those videos with others.

Oliver’s not alone in enjoying porn at work

Porn has the potential to harm workplace relationships, specifically those with women. According to Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., Ph.D. , in Psychology Today:

• Research reveals that 70% of Internet pornography happens during work hours, between 9am. and 5pm.
• There is a link between viewing pornography and unethical behavior. 
• Dehumanization of co-workers may lead to sexual harassment or contribute to a hostile work environment.

Language is also a part of NSFW ethic that can be part of a toxic work environment. How many of us now casually drop F-bombs in daily conversations? For many people, swearing is just not acceptable at work.

Be aware of what your employer may be tracking on your computer

Even if your employer doesn’t keep track of the websites you visit, it’s risky to see NSFW material at work. Think about Oliver, who lost his job by his choosing to watch NSFW content at work. I don’t know how they found out he was spending the afternoons in a porn cloud, but this should be a warning to everyone.

Think about the consequences of this kind of scenario

As your boss and coworkers enter the room where you’ll be sharing the presentation you’ve been preparing for weeks, you turn on the lights and connect to what you think is the network and instead of showing the video that is your opening remarks, you hear cries of “Fuck me, Daddy!” Damn. Wrong link. That particular movie was so hot. 

Understanding the legal implications of sharing NSFW content

Sharing NSFW content can have severe legal consequences, both for individuals and organizations. Engaging in the distribution of explicit or offensive material can lead to legal actions such as sexual harassment charges, defamation lawsuits, or violations of privacy laws. Additionally, organizations that fail to implement adequate measures to prevent the sharing of NSFW content may face legal repercussions, including fines and damage to their reputation.

The importance of setting boundaries in the workplace

Setting clear boundaries regarding the use and sharing of NSFW content is essential for maintaining a professional and respectful work environment. By setting boundaries, organizations can foster a culture of respect and professionalism, ensuring that all employees feel safe and comfortable in their work environment.

Conclusion: Promoting a safer and more respectful digital environment

• NSFW includes a range of factors that are Not Safe for Work.
• NSFW content includes text, photos video and speech. All of these can contribute to a toxic environment and be inappropriate in the workplace.
• For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, we need to set boundaries and standards for what is appropriate language and content at work.

Contact Top of Mind Marketing. We’re writers and digital media specialists, 510.292.1843, jpeischel@top-mindmarketing.com