Have you ever wondered what those pop-up messages about cookies are when you visit a website?
Just like your grandma’s sugar cookies, internet cookies come in all shapes and sizes. While they aren’t as fun or colorful as the sweet treats, internet cookies play an important role in how websites remember your preferences and activity. Let’s unwrap the mystery!
What are Internet Cookies?
Cookies are text files that a website stores on your computer or device to help it “remember” you. Some of the most common things your browser stores include information like your login (only if you’ve checked that little “Remember me” box), website preferences, or shopping cart contents.
Cookies themselves don’t contain personal details like your password or payment information unless you’ve entered that information directly on a site.
The Different Flavors of Cookies
There are several different types of cookies, but we’ll focus on the primary types:
- First-party cookies – Created by the website you’re visiting. They help it remember you directly.
- Third-party cookies – Created by other companies (like advertisers) to track your activity across different websites.
- Session cookies – Temporary cookies that disappear when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies – Stay on your device for a set amount of time until they expire (from a few days to several months) or you delete them.
How are they used/how do they work?
When you visit a website, it sends a cookie to your browser, which stores it as a small text file on your computer or device. The next time you return to that website, the site checks the cookie to “remember” who you are or what you did last time.
For example, you can see a cookie in action when you visit a site like Amazon and search for boots but don’t buy anything. When you return to Amazon later, you may see suggestions or ads for boots that you were looking at earlier.
Cookies and your privacy
Online privacy is becoming a larger concern as companies gain more and more access to consumer data through search activity, online account information, and location data.
International and state laws including the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) require many websites to request your permission before storing or sharing your data. That’s why you see those “Accept Cookies” banner on so many websites these days.
Benefits of Cookies
Most cookies are safe and meant to improve your experience, not spy on you. They provide several benefits for a better online experience, including:
- Keeping you logged in.
- Saving preferences, like dark mode or language settings.
- Making shopping carts and wish lists work.
- Helping websites load faster.
- Showing relevant content.
Without cookies, the internet will forget you and all of your preferences. While this may sound great to some, others may appreciate seeing content that feels tailored to their interests.
How do you remove them?
If you like the idea of a more private online experience, how do you remove cookies? Well, eating them is out of the question.
Whether you like the idea of online privacy, need to free up space on your computer, or are troubleshooting a browser issue, removing cookies is a simple process.
- Go to your browser’s settings.
- Look for ‘Privacy’ or ‘History.’
- Choose ‘Clear cookies and site data.’
Just make sure to note that clearing cookies will sign you out of most sites. And, that won’t stop cookies from being collected in the future.
How do you keep them from being collected?
Some browsers offer tools that let you block or manage cookies. Blocking all cookies might make some websites stop working properly.
If you want to browse without collecting any cookies at all, use your preferred browser’s “Private” or “Incognito” mode.
Some browsers may also allow you to adjust settings to block third-party cookies only. Even with blocking, some essential cookies, like those needed for logins or basic functions, can’t be disabled.
Pass the Milk
While internet cookies might not taste great, they do make your online experience a little sweeter. They help the internet remember you, make things smoother, and offer you more relevant content, BUT you’re in control and get to decide which websites track you and store information.
And when you pair that with a lightning-fast connection from Geneseo Communications, you’ve got the perfect recipe for reliable, secure browsing.