Nowadays, the first thing we go to when we want to know about anything is the internet. Especially when we want to know about a health problem or a symptom of a disease, we often use medical websites. While doing so, have you ever noticed that you see advertisements related to the same thing you searched for? How does that happen? Today, we are talking about something called 'Cookies', which are found on almost every website.
Simply put, what are these 'cookies'?
When you think of 'cookies' you might think of a biscuit, but they're something completely different. Simply put, they 're small data files that are temporarily stored on your computer or phone by a website when you visit it.
Imagine that when you go to a store you frequent, the store clerk recognizes you as soon as he sees you. He knows, "Oh... this is our regular customer, he always buys this kind of stuff." In the same way, these 'cookies' allow a website to "remember" you. When you visit that site again, they help it recognize you as "Oh... this is the same person who came here before."
There are several main types of ' Cookies ':
- Session Cookies: These are temporary. They only last for the duration of your visit to a website and are automatically deleted when you leave the website or close your browser.
- Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a short period of time. They help the website recognize you and remember your preferences when you return to that site. You can also delete them manually if you want.
- Third-party Cookies: These are cookies that come from third parties, such as other companies (advertisers) that advertise on the website you are viewing, rather than from the website itself.
Why do websites use these 'cookies'?
Websites, especially health information websites like ours, use these 'cookies' for a number of different reasons. This allows them to improve the service you receive.
| Purpose of using cookies | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | These are essential for the website to function properly. For example, when you register and log in to the website, they help recognize you and show you pages that are only relevant to you. |
| Important Functionality | These help you remember things for your convenience. For example, they can remember things like your username and your preferred language, making it easier for you the next time you visit. |
| Performance and Analytics | This helps us understand how visitors use the website and which pages they visit the most. This information can be used to improve the website. |
| Advertising | This is what many people feel. These are used to show you the most relevant ads based on your browsing activity. |
How does this affect advertising?
Let's say you read a few articles about diabetes on our website. The website can "remember" this through 'cookies'. Then, you may be shown advertisements about diabetes-related devices (gluco-meters), healthy food recipes, or related medications. This is done to show you things that are most relevant to you and grab your attention. This is called personalized advertising .
Most importantly, these cookies do not directly collect personal information like your name, address, or phone number. They only collect information about your online behavior .
Can you keep your privacy and control to yourself?
Yes, you can. There are several ways you can control these cookies. Knowing about these is very important to protect your online privacy.
1. Browser Settings:
You can decide whether or not to accept 'Cookies' by going to the settings of the web browser you are using (such as GOO gle Chrome, Firefox, Safari). You can:
- Reject all cookies.
- Set the settings to ask you when you receive a 'Cookie'.
- Delete any cookies that are already on your device.
But remember, if you completely disable cookies, some websites may not work properly. You may experience minor issues, such as not being able to log in.
2. Tools like AdChoices:
You've probably seen a small blue triangular icon (the `AdChoices` logo) at the bottom of most websites. Clicking on it will give you a list of companies that are showing you ads and how to control those ads. It also gives you the option to stop seeing personalized ads if you don't like them.
3. Mobile Phone Settings:
Your smartphone also has settings like this.
- iOS (Apple): You can change the permissions apps give you to track you by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Tracking.
- Android: You can go to Settings -> Google -> Ads and select "Opt out of Ads Personalization".
Doing these things won't stop you from seeing ads, but it will limit the personalized ads that you see based on your behavior.
Finding health information online is very useful, but we also need to be aware of what happens to our privacy.
Remember, no matter how useful the information on the Internet is, it is never the same as medical advice. For any health problem, the best and safest thing to do is to see your doctor or physician for proper advice.
Take-Home Message
- 'Cookies' are small data files that are stored on your device when you visit a website.
- These help websites work properly, provide you with convenience, and show you relevant ads.
- On health websites, these can be used to show ads related to the symptoms or medical conditions you are viewing.
- You have full control over these 'Cookies' through your browser or phone settings.
- Be mindful of your digital privacy when browsing the internet, especially when searching for health information.
- Always seek advice from a qualified medical professional for any health issue, and do not rely solely on internet information.
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