That uneasy feeling you describe really resonates with me. I think a lot of people underestimate the emotional side of this, not just the ethical one. I work in HR, and I’ve seen situations where someone finding out another person’s workplace led to stress, overthinking, and even anxiety on both sides. Sometimes the person being searched feels exposed, and the person clearly looking feels guilty or on edge.

What helped me understand this better was linking it to anxiety triggers in general. When boundaries feel blurred, people tend to spiral mentally. I read this article recently that talks about common anxiety triggers and practical ways to cope with them, which I think oddly fits this topic too: 7 Anxiety Triggers and How to Cope With Them

In real life, I try to pause and ask myself what the purpose is. Am I solving a real problem, or just feeding curiosity? If it’s the latter, I stop. It’s not about rules so much as respecting the fact that work is a big part of someone’s identity, and poking around without consent can create unnecessary pressure and discomfort.