Understanding Cookies: Why Websites Use Them and How They Work.
You've probably heard of cookies if you use the internet. But what exactly are cookies, and why do websites use them? When a user visits a website, a small text file called a cookie is placed on their device. Websites use them extensively to improve user experience, personalise content, and track user behaviour. We'll look at why websites use cookies and how they work and how to manage them in this article.
Why Do Websites Use Cookies?
Cookies are used for several purposes.
Improved User Experience
Cookies can be used to save user preferences and settings like language preferences and font sizes. This enables websites to provide a more personalised experience to users. For example, if a user specifies Spanish as their preferred language, the website can remember this preference and display the website in Spanish the next time the user visits.
2. Personalized content
Cookies can also be used to track user behaviour and deliver tailored content. A news website, for example, may use cookies to track which articles a user has read and to recommend similar articles. Similarly, an e-commerce website can track a user's browsing and purchase history and recommend products that are likely to be of interest to the user.
3. Analytics and performance
To track a customer or user's behaviours, cookies can be used to find out which pages a customer viewed, how long they were on the site, and what activities they performed. This data can be utilised to improve the performance and user experience of websites. For example, if a website discovers that a specific page has a high bounce rate, the knowledge can be used to redesign the page and increase user engagement.
How Do Cookies Work?
The website server generates cookies, which are then stored on the user's device. A cookie is sent to the user's device when he or she visits a website. Every time the user visits the website, the cookie is stored on the user's device and sent back to the website server. This enables the website to remember and track the user's preferences and behaviour.
Cookies are classified into two types:
1. Session cookies: Session cookies are temporary cookies that are automatically deleted when the user closes their browser. They are used to remember user preferences on a website during a single session.
2. Persistent cookies: In contrast, persistent cookies are stored on the user's device for a longer period. They can be used to save user preferences across multiple website sessions.
Let’s clear this doubt!
Cookies and viruses are not the same things. Viruses are often designed with malicious intentions while cookies are simple text files used to enhance the user experience and track user behaviour. However, cookies can also be used for malicious purposes, such as tracking a user's browsing history without their knowledge. That is not ok!
How to manage cookies
Cookies can be managed in most web browsers. Users can choose to block all cookies, third-party cookies, or cookies from specific websites. Cookies can also be deleted from a user's device at any time.
1. Block all cookies: Most web browsers enable users to disable all cookies. This means that no cookies, whether first-party or third-party cookies, will be stored on the user's device. Users can block all cookies by going to their browser settings and selecting the option to block all cookies. It is important to note, however, that blocking all cookies may interfere with the user's ability to access certain websites or features.
2. Blocking Third-Party Cookies: Third-party cookies are those set by a domain other than the one the user is currently visiting. These cookies are frequently used for advertising or tracking. Third-party cookies can usually be blocked in most web browsers. Users can block third-party cookies by going to their browser settings and selecting the option to block third-party cookies. This can help to protect the user's privacy and prevent third-party tracking of their browsing behaviour by advertisers.
3. Accepting Cookies from Certain Websites: Users can also choose to accept cookies only from specific websites. This is accomplished by going to the browser settings and selecting the option to only accept cookies from specific websites. This can help to ensure that only trusted websites track the user's browsing behaviour.
4. Deleting Cookies: Cookies can also be deleted from a user's device at any time. This can be accomplished by going to the browser's settings and selecting the option to delete cookies. Deleting cookies can help to protect the user's privacy by removing any previously stored preferences or tracking data.
In addition to managing cookies, users should be aware that cookies are being used on the websites they visit. Websites are required by law to inform users about the cookies they use and obtain the user's permission before placing cookies on their devices. This information is typically included in a website's privacy or cookie policy.
Users should read these policies carefully and understand the cookies used on the website. If a user does not agree to the use of cookies, they can block or delete the cookies, or simply refrain from using the website. Users can protect their privacy and ensure that their online experience is tailored to their preferences by managing cookies and being aware of their use.
Conclusion
Cookies are an essential part of modern websites. They are employed to enhance user experience, personalise content, and track user behaviour. Cookies can help websites provide a more personalised experience to their users by remembering user preferences and tracking user behaviour. However, users must be aware of the cookies that are used on the websites they visit and manage their cookie settings accordingly. Users can protect their privacy and ensure that their online experience is tailored to their preferences by employing these practices.