(Insitutional Affliation)
Cookies are text files that are downloaded to your browser every time you surf the internet and visit websites. They contain information regarding your browsing habits and other online activities when interacting with the website. When visiting the online page for a particular company, the computer automatically checks if it has related cookies that contain relevant data and sends the information back to that website. The cookie might provide knowledge regarding which webpages you visit the most, how long you spend time on that particular page, or if you have selected your preferences in that website, it will appear as customized accordingly. One common example of the role of cookies is how carts work when shopping online. If you visit a particular online shop and decide to buy several items, they will appear in your cart. If you accidentally close your browser and visit that site again, the cart would reflect the very same items you have selected if cookies are allowed.
Some people do not like the idea of allowing cookies into their computers. Most of them do not like the thought that it can store information about for security reasons. Others are simply cautious that it might be installing programs they do not know about or introduce viruses into their computers. Contrary to these beliefs, there is nothing especially exceptional about the data stored in cookies. They merely contain a unique identifier in the form of strings of text that acts as a label but generally is incapable of identifying a specific person. They are also not capable of executing codes. As such, there is also no possibility to allow the installation of softwares or replication of computer viruses. Although cookies are for the most part harmless, you should block cookies if you feel that your information is being used for marketing purposes that is already bothersome to you such as frequent display of exactly the same banner ads or numerous emails on persistent marketing offers.
References:
- Geary, J. (April 23, 2012). Tracking the Trackers: What are Cookies? An introduction to Web Tracking. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/apr/23/cookies-and-web-tracking-intro
- Indiana University: University Information Technology Services. (July 1, 2011). What are Cookies?. Retrieved from
- The British Broadcasting Corporation: Webwise Team. (October 10, 2012). What are Cookies?. Retrieved from
