AdBlock, NoScript & Ghostery: Why These Tools Hurt Websites
Common Website Functionality Issues and Browser Extensions
Recently, a significant number of readers have reached out regarding difficulties accessing our guides, locating login buttons, or experiencing issues with comment loading. Investigations reveal that the vast majority of these problems – approximately 99% – stem from the use of specific browser extensions.
The "Trifecta of Evil": AdBlock, NoScript, and Ghostery
These extensions, which we will collectively refer to as the “trifecta of evil,” frequently interfere with standard website operations. Their intended purpose is often user privacy or ad blocking, but they can inadvertently disrupt essential functionalities.
Here's a breakdown of how each extension contributes to these issues:
- AdBlock: Primarily designed to remove advertisements, AdBlock can sometimes mistakenly block scripts necessary for website features to operate correctly.
- NoScript: This extension focuses on blocking JavaScript execution, enhancing security. However, many websites rely on JavaScript for interactive elements like login forms and comment sections.
- Ghostery: Ghostery aims to block trackers and protect privacy. Unfortunately, it can also block essential scripts required for a website to function as intended.
The combined effect of these extensions can create a frustrating user experience. Essential website components may fail to load or operate properly.
If you are encountering problems with our site, temporarily disabling these extensions is the first step towards resolving the issue. This will help determine if they are the source of the conflict.
AdBlock and the Future of Online Content
A comprehensive discussion regarding the impact of AdBlock plugins on the internet ecosystem was previously presented by Matt. However, I wish to contribute my perspective on this crucial matter.
For those unfamiliar, AdBlock functions by discreetly eliminating all advertisements and social media sharing buttons from webpages. It's important to recognize that revenue generated from these advertisements sustains not only my compensation, but also the salaries of our dedicated team of editors and professional writers, alongside the expenses associated with maintaining our servers.
MakeUseOf operates on the principle of a free content model. We are committed to providing unrestricted access to high-quality, comprehensive content in exchange for displaying advertisements. While some may debate the definition of "free," the core concept remains: content creation requires funding.
The hypocrisy inherent in the AdBlock plugin is particularly frustrating. The plugin’s creator, while actively undermining our income, simultaneously solicits PayPal donations from users benefiting from the very free content model they are disrupting.
We acknowledge that certain advertisements can be intrusive. We actively work to eliminate those that automatically play videos or generate sound upon page loading, addressing these concerns as quickly as possible. It’s a common misconception that website owners directly select the advertisements displayed; however, we retain the ability to remove inappropriate or irritating ads and have requested a general prohibition of auto-playing video advertisements.
The Importance of Advertising for Free Content
The free content model is fundamental to the vitality of the online world. If you prefer a completely premium-based internet experience, continuing to use AdBlock is a viable option.
However, it’s crucial to understand that widespread adoption of ad-blocking technology would inevitably lead to a paywalled internet, restricting access to information for many.
Ultimately, the sustainability of free online content depends on a fair exchange between content creators and consumers.
If a significant portion of users circumvent the advertising system, as is the case with AdBlock users, the internet as we know it will fundamentally change.
NoScript and the Modern Web
Historically, Javascript presented significant challenges on the internet, alongside animated GIFs. Disabling Javascript was once a sensible practice, offering both security benefits—as many browser exploits originated through Javascript—and improved usability, given its initial use for superficial effects and disruptive pop-ups.
However, the internet has undergone substantial transformation since those early periods. Contemporary browsers are considerably more secure. Furthermore, Javascript is now a fundamental element of modern HTML5 standards, and frameworks like jQuery have dramatically advanced web interface capabilities beyond simple images, links, and tables.
The Necessity of Javascript
The current internet requires Javascript for optimal functionality. Utilizing NoScript effectively disrupts the intended experience of many websites.
Beyond reverting webpages to an older state, it obstructs the loading of crucial elements, such as website statistics trackers. This impacts our ability to accurately assess visitor numbers and, consequently, affects revenue streams by hindering ad performance.
From a user standpoint, numerous features will likely malfunction or be unavailable.
- Essential page components may fail to load.
- Website statistics will be inaccurate.
- Ad blocking negatively impacts site revenue.
The Challenge of No-JS Alternatives
Ideally, websites would provide alternative functionality for users who disable Javascript, offering a seamless experience regardless of browser settings. However, practical constraints like time and budgetary limitations often prevent the development of such alternatives.
A valid question arises: why should resources be allocated to support users who choose not to support the website through ad viewing?
Ghostery: A Detailed Examination
Recently, I became acquainted with Ghostery, a plugin that functions as a comprehensive do-not-track tool. It provides detailed insight into the companies, advertising networks, and tracking services loaded by a website, granting users the ability to selectively permit or deny their operation. Ghostery categorizes cookies – often referred to as 'trackers' – into two primary types: those originating directly from the website itself, such as those used by platforms like Wordpress to maintain login status, and those sourced from third parties.
These third-party elements encompass cookies deployed by advertising networks, analytics platforms, and services designed to monitor user behavior. I believe it’s crucial for users to possess awareness regarding the processes occurring behind the scenes on any given website. Ghostery offers a know your elements glossary, a thorough compilation of known tracking scripts and the organizations to which they belong, which is a commendable resource.
The Impact of Blocking
However, simply informing users and actively blocking tracking mechanisms represent distinct actions. A significant proportion of users opt to block all tracking by default, effectively mirroring the outcome of using tools like NoScript or Adblock – enjoying content without contributing to revenue generation for the site.
But what is the actual extent of tracking performed by these companies? It's important to understand that they cannot observe your activity across different browser tabs, windows, or your overall internet search history. Their records are limited to websites within their network that you have visited.
For example, if a company places a cookie on both the New York Times and MSNBC, and you subsequently browse to Wikipedia, the company will only register your visits to the former two sites. Consequently, they are unable to determine that you are simultaneously viewing content on a different website, such as Asian Hotties or cheatonmywife.com.
Maintaining Privacy
A highly effective method for preserving the privacy of your browsing activity is to utilize a dedicated browser, potentially a portable version stored on a thumb drive, exclusively for sensitive browsing needs.
Even if a tracking script does monitor some of your browsing patterns, is this inherently problematic? At the more intrusive end of the spectrum – beyond simple hit counters – these scripts are employed for behaviourally-targeted marketing.
How Behavioural Targeting Works
This process functions as follows: when you visit a website dedicated to car enthusiasts, a cookie is placed on your computer indicating your interest in automobiles. Any other websites you visit that are served by the same advertising network will detect this cookie and subsequently display advertisements related to cars. If you consider this practice ethically questionable, it's worth noting that traditional television advertising employs the same principle.
During cooking programs, advertisements for cooking appliances and kitchenware are prevalent. Similarly, toy commercials are frequently aired during children's programming. In the UK, there's even an advertising campaign at bus stops that dynamically adjusts its content based on the gender of the passerby – a clear example of targeted advertising.
Addressing Scare Tactics
The proliferation of scare tactics contributes to the issue, fueled by conspiracy theories suggesting government surveillance and now, tracking by internet companies. Unfortunately, many individuals lacking technical expertise readily believe these claims. The fear that the internet now knows your private interests, such as a preference for images of women covered in whipped cream, and will exploit this information is a common concern.
Ultimately, the core issue is this: we offer thousands of articles, free book guides, and a community-supported technical assistance service, and in exchange, we request that you refrain from blocking advertisements.
The Role of Social Networks
I acknowledge that I have presented only one perspective on this matter. I will concede that the integration of social networks introduces significant privacy concerns, as this data can be directly linked to your individual identity rather than remaining anonymous.
However, a full exploration of this aspect is beyond the scope of this discussion and may be better suited for a separate article or author. Furthermore, we will not restrict your access to the site if you choose not to support us by disabling ad blockers. We may display a polite request, but we will never prevent you from accessing our content.
Do you hold a fundamentally different viewpoint? Please share your thoughts and frustrations in the comments section. Or do you concur with my assessment, believing that the do-not-track movement is misguided?
Image credit: Devils from Shutterstock