Ashish Chopra, 26, software engineer with Ciena India, explains the need for online bitching—coded, anonymous or forthright. “Most offices lack a direct feedback mechanism wherein people can vent their anger against their bosses or other co-workers. So, they do it on Facebook or Orkut. Of course, there’s always the phone or the coffee shop but most large organisations have offices across several locations. In that case, online bitching is the most economical and convenient option.”

Despite dangers of intrusion and politicking, most employees would still add colleagues as friends. “Since we spend half of our waking hours at office, it’s important to be friends with colleagues as it makes work enjoyable and lifts team spirit. Online networking is a way to informally connect with them,” says Pavan.
(Some names and occupations have been changed on request)