Web Productivity, not Browsing

The Internet (or Web, to be more technically accurate) is a treasure trove of information, but it can also be a maze of distractions if not handled carefully—we all know about the wasted browsing sessions and endless Wikipedia clicks. So, let’s talk about how to surf the web efficiently, store useful links and notes, avoid forgetting websites, and keep personal and work-related browsing separate.

Being Intentional

Web browsing has become an essential part of our daily routine. It’s our gateway to information, research, and communication. But it’s easy to get lost in the sea of tabs, never-ending social media feeds, and those annoying clickbait articles. The first step to productive web browsing is to acknowledge the web can be a double-edged sword. The solution is to set clear intentions for your web sessions. Before you start browsing, define your goals. Are you researching a work project, looking for industry news, or catching up on personal interests? Knowing your purpose will help you stay on track and avoid mindlessly surfing, even by accident.

The Art of Single-Tasking

Multitasking is often touted as a valuable skill, but when it comes to productive web browsing, single-tasking is your friend. Trying to juggle multiple browser tabs, email, and chat apps simultaneously can lead to mental overload. Instead, focus on one web task at a time. Close unnecessary tabs, turn off notifications, and give your full attention to the task at hand. This not only improves your efficiency but also reduces stress.

The Power of Todo Lists

A good tip is to integrate web browsing tasks into your daily todo list, and schedule them like any other task. This can also help keep you on track and avoid distractions. When you come across a web task or research topic that needs attention, just put it down onto your todo list if you’re busy—don’t just open up the web browser and get distracted! Assign a priority level and deadline to the new task if necessary. This ensures that your web-related work is organised alongside your other responsibilities and doesn’t just take over your time.

Saving Links and Notes

Have you ever stumbled upon an article or website, thought it was fantastic, and then couldn’t find it again when you needed it? To prevent this frustration, adopt a simple strategy: save links and web page clips immediately. For work-related content, I highly recommend using a tool like OneNote or Evernote. These platforms allow you to save entire articles, web pages, and notes in an organised manner, and usually have built-in browser plugins to make it easy to ‘clip’ information. You can tag and categorise your pages for easy retrieval later. This way, you’ll never lose valuable resources.

Favourites?

I’ve personally rarely if ever used the favourites/bookmarks feature on browsers. You usually end up with a cluttered list of websites, half of which aren’t of interest any more. It’s far better to clip information that you need and store it in an organised manner. Most modern browsers store web history anyway, so unless you were doing private browsing (hmm…!) you won’t actually lose the names of websites you visited.

Separating Personal and Work Browsing

It’s important to maintain a clear boundary between your personal and work-related web activities, especially when working from home. Blurring these lines can lead to distraction and decreased productivity. One simple way to achieve this separation is by using different web browsers for work and personal use. For instance, you can pick Chrome for professional tasks and Firefox for leisurely browsing, or use the profiles features that many browsers have (the one in Edge is very good). This kind of division creates a mental distinction and reduces the likelihood of wandering off into personal territory during work hours.

Avoiding the Infinite Scroll

Social media is a major culprit when it comes to time-wasting during web browsing. The infinite scroll of Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram can suck you into a digital vortex far too easily—remember that’s how they are designed to work! To combat this, set designated times for personal social media use. If you really find it hard to resist, one option is to use website blockers during work hours to limit access to these platforms. Another option is to use browser extensions that allow you to schedule short, timed breaks specifically for social media.