The Intrusive Nature of Web Pages: A Love-Hate Relationship

Ads on social media platforms have become a common sight for many of us. While they can be obnoxious and intrusive, I must admit that I appreciate the effort to show me ads based on my interests and search history. The newer ways in which ads are displayed on these sites have caught my attention. Clearly labeled ads within the feed and fixed ads while scrolling through an article are examples of good design in action. Thumbs up to the web designers for making these ads seamlessly blend into my browsing experience.

However, the irritating aspects of web browsing are simply part of the package deal. When you click on a link, you are essentially at the mercy of the page designer. While browsers have features like popup window blockers, they can’t prevent sites from using annoying user interface elements that spoil your browsing journey.

Features like the “See more…” link may have a purpose in the eyes of the social media giants, but who are they really benefitting? As users, we should have the freedom to choose what we want to see without being led by the hand by some designer thousands of miles away. Ultimately, the power to decide what we want to view should rest in our hands, not in the hands of a tech company.

So, the next time you encounter an ad or an annoying “feature” on a website, remember that it’s all part of the web experience. Embrace the good, tolerate the bad, and take back control of your browsing journey. After all, you are the expert on what you want to see.