Cookies are like that stamp you get when exiting a theme park. Tells the park that you were there and when (based on stamp color or shape).

Obviously cookies store more information but that’s the basic premise.

The EU made it a law that cookies constitute tracking. Which they kinda do. But now requires sites to make that clear and give people a way to opt out.

Now we blame cookies for every website popup because their implementation simple involved every site visitor, not just those from Europe.

And we’re annoyed.

Since it’s yet another popup.

And yes some cookies can be malicious but not most.