What Is a Cookie? (Hint: Not the Kind You Dip in Milk)
By Nell Thomas
Strolling Ballantyne contributor and coffee-fueled observer of digital weirdness
If the internet seems like it knows you a little too well, it’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s cookies. No, not the delicious ones from Einstein Bros. Bagels (though I’d argue those do more good than harm), but tiny pieces of data that quietly hang out in your web browser like the digital equivalent of a sticky note: “This person likes beige sweaters and flight deals.”
Cookies are how websites remember who you are, what you’ve done, and what you might want to do next. They’re not magic. They’re just simple code. But in the wrong hands—or the hands of an overeager ad agency—they can feel like a nosy neighbor who remembers your shoe size.
How Cookies Work (and Why They Exist)
Let’s say you visit a website. That site quietly saves a small file in your browser. The next time you come back, the site reads that file. It remembers your language preference, your login status, or what you left in your shopping cart. This makes your experience easier, faster, and less annoying.
In other words, cookies are why your Amazon cart still has those blackout curtains from three Tuesdays ago. They’re also why Netflix knows you’ve been cheating on your watchlist.
The Different Flavors of Cookies
There are a few types, and none come with chocolate chips:
- First-party cookies: Set by the website you’re visiting. Think of these as the helpful kind—the ones that let you stay logged in or keep your language set to English instead of Elvish.
- Third-party cookies: These come from someone other than the website you’re visiting—like advertisers. These are the cookies that follow you from one site to another. Ever looked at a suitcase once and seen that same suitcase in your Facebook feed for the next month? That’s third-party tracking in action.
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies that disappear when you close your browser. They’re like a dry-erase board that gets wiped clean.
- Persistent cookies: The ones that stick around. They stay in your browser for days, weeks, or even years—unless you delete them.
Are Cookies Bad?
Not inherently. They make the internet work better. But they can also feel invasive if abused. That’s why so many websites now flash cookie banners asking you to “accept” or “reject” tracking. (Tip: Always check the settings—most sites let you disable ad tracking while still using basic cookies.)
How to Manage Cookies Like a Grown-Up
You don’t need a computer science degree. Just open your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
From there, you can clear them, block third-party cookies, or allow only certain sites. Easy.
What This Means for Ballantyne
Local businesses rely on cookies, too—especially places like Einstein Bros. Bagels at 13736 Conlan Cir. When you order online or use rewards points for a turkey-sausage-egg-white sandwich, cookies help the site remember you. And for local entrepreneurs like Torri Suriano at At The Hop Auto Services, a solid website experience—fueled by good data—is key to serving loyal customers.
So cookies aren’t evil. They’re tools. But like any tool, how you use them matters. Think of it this way: a cookie can remember your coffee order, or it can tell ten other cafes about your caffeine dependency. Choose wisely.
About the Author
Nell Thomas is a senior writer for The Charlotte Mercury and an enthusiastic contributor to Strolling Ballantyne, where she covers everything from cookies to council drama. You can usually find her typing furiously with a cinnamon-topped latte in hand from Einstein Bros. Bagels in Ballantyne (13736 Conlan Cir, open daily until 2 p.m.).
She recommends the honey-almond shmear, the lox bagel (a classic), and grabbing a dozen for the HOA meeting you forgot you RSVP’d to. And while you’re here, check out our coverage of Charlotte Events, Hospitality, People, Politics, Pets, Real Estate, Sports, CMPD, Partners, Statewide, and all things Ballantyne.
We’re proud to partner with local legends like At The Hop Auto Services and The Lorimer Realtor Team. Know someone doing great things? Tell us at ballantyne@strollmag.com. And don’t forget to RSVP for the May 22 Sip & Stroll at Ballantyne Country Club: 👉 Sign up here.
Creative Commons License
© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury
This article, “What Is a Cookie? (Hint: Not the Kind You Dip in Milk),” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“What Is a Cookie? (Hint: Not the Kind You Dip in Milk)”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY-ND 4.0)
Explore More