That is the simplest way to put it.

Toxicity is not always shouting, insults, or open hostility. Sometimes, it is subtle. It hides behind normal routines, authority, and the phrase “this is how things are done here.”

Over time, you begin to feel drained, undervalued, and stuck, even though you are always busy.

I have seen enough to understand what workplace toxicity really means.

A toxic workplace is one where learning is not encouraged, boundaries are not respected, and people in authority take advantage of those beneath them. It is a place where effort is demanded but growth is not supported.

For interns and IT students, toxicity often wears a different face.

Being overworked without guidance.

Being sent on endless, and unnecessary errands.

Doing tasks far outside your scope with no learning attached.

Being made to feel ungrateful for questioning anything.

That is also toxicity.

Internship is supposed to be a learning phase. When you are treated as cheap labour rather than someone meant to grow, something is wrong.

Here are two early lessons that help you avoid or at least manage toxic work environments.

1) Overfamiliarity

Do not be too familiar with your boss or supervisor.

It sounds counterintuitive, but excessive familiarity often leads to disrespect for boundaries. Once you are seen as “always available” or “very flexible,” work begins to pile up. You become the default person for extra tasks, late errands, and responsibilities that are not yours.

Respect creates limits. Limits protect you.

You can be polite, respectful, and hardworking without becoming overly familiar.

2) Keeping silent in every situation

Silence is often mistaken for humility, but constant silence can be dangerous.

When you never speak up, people assume you do not mind. They assume you do not understand. Some even assume you are foolish. Over time, your silence becomes permission.

This does not mean being rude or confrontational. It means asking questions, seeking clarification, and gently stating when something is unreasonable.

Your voice matters, even as an intern.

Workplace toxicity does not always announce itself, it mostly grows quietly while you are trying to be patient, grateful, and hardworking.

This is part one.

In the next part, we will talk more about boundaries, power dynamics, and when to walk away.