IR or Ethernet?

I'm a future Remote user. I have an LG WebOS TV (C1) but don't have it disconnected from wifi/ethernet. I currently control it via IR. I obviously don't use it's apps but simply turn it on/off and change inputs. Is there any benefit to turning wifi back on the TV and controlling it via IP vs IR for the little I do?

IR is a one way communication. When using IR the controller has the possibility to be out of sync with the true state of the TV if the TV is controlled by a different remote or control system. Serial may be an alternative if you want 2 way communication without IP connectivity.

As a general statement, you should always use IP (ethernet or second choice Wifi) and not use IR.
But IR has tremendous device coverage. LG TVs should be IP for sure.

Thanks, I turned off the TV's internet so that A) It wasn't spying on me and Wasn't bothering me about updates. I'll consider turning it back on.

you can turn off software updates. That's not turning Internet off. See the documentation for LG TVs on setup.