Cookies and Pixels: The Tech Duo That Knows You Better Than Your Mom

Have you ever wondered how the internet seems to know everything about you? Like, how you were just talking about ordering Crumbl, and suddenly, every site you visit bombards you with ads for the newest Crumbl cookie release? Well, that’s all thanks to the most unlikely dynamic duo in the digital world: cookies and pixels. Not the edible kind of cookies (sorry, Crumbl enthusiast!) or artsy pixels. These are little internet spies are out here doing their job, quietly tracking your every internet click, view and like. And the best part? You probably didn’t even notice, or you did and you’ve always wondered how the internet knows you so well… I am here to spill the tea.

Let’s Talk Cookies

First off, who decided to name these tiny bits of code after the most popular dessert? That’s beside the point. Cookies are basically like tiny crumbs that your browser collects from different websites and online platforms. Real life examples of cookies:

“Oh, you logged into a website? Let me save that password for you.” “Browsing for a new pair of shoes? I’m writing that down!” “Coming back to this site tomorrow? Don’t worry, I’ll remember you.” “Filled your Old Navy cart with some new basic tees? It’ll be here a week from now when you’re ready to buy”

Cookies are those loyal, and creepy, assistants who remember your preferences, logins, and even what you left in your shopping cart six months ago. They’re great for convenience—who doesn’t love being remembered by their favorite online store? But they also have this habit of sticking around a little too long, kind of like your student loan.

Now Enter the Pixels (the Less Fun Kind)

If cookies are the super clean assistant picking up your website crumbs, pixels are the invisible spies judging you for your mess, lurking in the background, gathering intel while you scroll. A pixel is a tiny, transparent image—so tiny you can’t even see it. Yet, it’s sitting there on a webpage, silently keeping track of what you do. It’s the online equivalent of walking through a store and having a security camera follow your every move. Pixels report back to their corporate overlords (usually advertisers), letting them know whether you opened that email or checked out that ad. Did you not click on that link for a hotel stay in Cabo? The pixel knows.

The Perfect Partnership: Cookies & Pixels

So, cookies and pixels? They’re the internet’s power couple, think Barack and Michelle, Beyonce and Jay-Z, (you get the point). One’s got a memory like a steel trap, and the other’s got the stealth skills of a ninja. Together, they ensure that no matter where you go online, marketers can tailor your experience just for you. Didn’t want a personal shopper? Too bad, you’ve got one now, and it’s fueled by your cookie crumbs.

You visit a website and accept those cookie banners without a second thought (we all do it). That cookie’s in place, ready to track your preferences. Meanwhile, the pixel’s waiting for you to scroll past that ad or click that link. By the time you’ve made it through your morning coffee, the internet’s already got a pretty good idea of what you’re interested in. And the ads, emails, reels? They’re all coming for you. So you’re probably wondering… Jordan can I escape my cookies and my pixels and go to Cabo? Yes, keep reading!

Can I Break Up With Them?

Are you over the crumbs? Don’t worry—you can always clear your cookies or use a browser that blocks them (it’s called incognito mode). But just know, your browsing experience may feel like a first date, you’re going to have to fill your cart over and over and over again, plus remember all of your own preferences on each site you visit.

Imagine going back to your favorite online store, and it’s like… No saved logins, no personalized ads for the new Lululemon shirt you’ve been eyeing for weeks, no ‘Hey, we saved your cart!’ notifications. It’s a brave new world, one where you might have to actually type in your password again. If you’re interested in how to start the pixel and cookie romance for your business… Well drop me an email, I’m not using cookies on this portion of my site.