You’ve seen the message a hundred times: “This website uses cookies. Click to accept.” Most people just click without thinking. But if you’ve ever wondered what those cookies really are (no, not the chocolate chip kind) you’re not alone.
Cookies are tiny files that websites save on your device when you visit. They’re like a name tag for your browser. When you go back to that same site later, the cookie lets it know, “Hey, it’s you again!” This makes your online experience faster and more personal.
For example, if you log into a site and it remembers you next time, that’s a cookie doing its job. If you’re shopping online and close the window, then come back and your cart is still full? Yep, cookie again. It also remembers your choices — like if you prefer dark mode or want to browse in another language.
But cookies aren’t just there for convenience. Some are used to learn more about what you do online. They track what you click, how long you stay on a page and what you might be interested in. That’s how ads seem to magically follow you around from site to site. It’s not magic. It’s tracking. And that’s where people start to get uneasy.
Now, not all cookies are created equal. The helpful ones stick to the website you’re on. The sneaky ones — called third-party cookies — can watch you across different sites. That’s like someone following you through every store at the mall, taking notes. Not illegal, but a little creepy.
The good news? You can take control. Every browser lets you manage your cookies. You can delete them, block them or tell your browser not to accept third-party cookies at all. If you poke around in your settings under privacy or security, you’ll find the options.
So, are cookies dangerous? Not really. But they’re not invisible either. They shape a lot of what you see online, from ads to what websites remember about you. The key is knowing they exist and learning how to manage them.
At The Digital Docs, we get these kinds of questions all the time. And we love it — because when you understand your tech, you feel more confident using it. When you want help sorting out your technology, support The Marblehead Current to keep getting these monthly tips, AND, if you want to get our weekly email tech tips, you can subscribe at thedigitaldocs.com. We’ll walk you through it, plain and simple. No geek speak. And maybe even with a real cookie in hand.
Until next time: stay safe out there. It can be a crazy digital world!
Stephen Bach
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
