The worst thing about tracking cookies is the fact that most consumers know that they exist and are finding ways to block and remove them ASAP. For example, my boyfriend is an IST major and knows more about computers than the average person. Because of him I now know how to “clean” my cookies and I do so about every 2 weeks. Is this enough time for online advertisers to get to “know” who I am? I think so. I don’t go to that many different websites daily and I still have a bunch of tracking cookies.
Some of the cookies come from ad networks such as AdBrite, TruEffect, AdInterax, and Advertising.com. Since I aspire to be in the advertising industry I can't blame these ad networks trying to get the most information out of consumers as possible. It's also understandable for the mere fact that more and more consumers are using the internet as a research tool. Consumers often times search online, but purchase in store. So even though impulse buying really doesn't happen online, it wouldn't hurt to show the consumer an ad for a product that coincides well with the one that they are researching, maybe they'll see it in-store too and purchase it as well.
As long as a website doesn't use my personal information to harm me I don't really care. Tracking cookies and stuff like malware are on two different levels. Ad tracking cookies are essentially there to help you out while malware and stuff like viruses can potentially harm your computer and give out your personal information. I can't really knock something that I may potentially be a part of in the near future.
1 comment:
Eventually more and more people will become aware of behavioral targeting online therefore, becoming more cautious, but i think it will always remain an ideal targeting method.
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