Have you ever been on a website that has asked you to allow cookies and cache? You are not alone. Websites use cookies and/or cache to collect data in a much easier manner than focus groups or cool hunting. Luckily for companies and marketers, data collection has never been easier or cheaper.
Cookies are files that are created by the websites you visit and they are used to track your browsing data. When a website asks to use cookies, they are receiving your permission to collect your data for little to no cost at all. This way, websites can see what people search and what people tend to click on. This can create a website tailored just for the individual viewing it. Ads consisting of items you Googled last week, an ad from your favorite store and ads that promote certain news stories are all examples of ways sites can target your specific interest.
However, since all of this data is gathered, it isn't just used to lure you to buy the things you like already and things you have searched, it is also being used to suggest things you might also like. By giving your device consent to use cookies, you are not only giving consent to track data and usage, but you are making your own internet experience a lot easier. Your computer stores certain information, for example, saving the things you have added to your shopping cart, saving it for you and reminding you to spend your money. In addition to saving it data for convenience, it is often sent back into your computer so it can create ads and eventually bring you back to the website to spend more money.
Cache memory is a little different. A cache is used to improve efficiency. Cache data is used to recall websites and apps that are frequently visited. This gives devices the ability to not only track browsing, but to remember it. Frequently searched terms, phrases, or websites often pop up under the search bar as a form of convenience, and this data memory is useful to enhance an online expereince and also for companies
Sources:
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-what-are-cookies.html
https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/cache.html
https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/cache.html
I knew that both of these things existed. However, I did not understand how they work. This was an interesting blog that raises the question if it is worth it to give up certain privacy rights to gain a more streamlined experience on the internet. Like we saw in the marketing documentary, a lot of the advertising we see just becomes clutter and we don't pay attention to it. I wonder how often the advertisements used based on cookies are actually clicked on.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this I had no idea what cookies were. I'm used to seeing them a lot on websites but I didn't know what I meant when I allowed a website to use cookies. This is a very clever way to collect data to be used for marketing. People spend so much times on computers that finding a way to push ads that suite the people viewing them is a good way to advertise to a large population.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to both Leela and Rachel, I had never really paid too much attention to the little alert asking about cookies. I always assumed they were viruses or wouldn't care too much because I was too focused on whatever website I was trying to get to. From reading your blog post it is clear that there is a distinct reason for them and it's not eerily by chance (or a secret FBI agent spying on me) that certain ads and websites are recommended to me. Random thought, but I wonder why they're called cookies, maybe because they're trying to bait you?
ReplyDeleteThis article is really interesting to me to understand how cookies work. I like the point you made about how these are making the user experience better, and exposing us to products that we would like, but have not seen before. It is also interesting to see the expansion of cookies on new platforms. For example, I never click ads on websites even if they are appealing to me, but I have found myself clicking on several ads that are the same but on Instagram. It's very hard to ignore Instagram ads because they are in my feed, so it's fascinating to see that this alternative platform is finally making me click these ads.
ReplyDelete