Research suggests that for every popup and banner you avoid, the environment stays a little greener as a result.
Adblock Plus. Image via Wikimedia
There are few things more annoying in this world than an online ad. Well actually, there are many, but pop-up ads are at the top of the list. Recently, Adblock Plus, an application designed to block online ads, came up with some surprising facts. Using the plug-in actually allows researchers to save up to 40 percent on network bandwith—saving you headaches, and the environment, energy.
Although the application’s exact external impact is unknown, researchers from Simon Fraser university believe that Adblock might save more energy than we think. According to TechWeek Europe, reduced network data demand leads to lower infrastructure costs and lower energy consumption. The less ads, the less traffic, the less costs. Every time you’re able to log onto a page without suffering through an ad, the greater the benefit to your brain, and the environment. Everyone wins.
Image via Flickr user Pascale PirateChickan
But not everyone agrees—including ad companies and tech gurus, who argue that ad revenue is key to website success. Content, the dissenters believe, shouldn’t just be handed out for free. Adblockers may be successful, but they’re driving away profits from (some of the people) who need it.
More research needs to be done, but either way, it’s a smart step in a smart direction.
(Via: TechWeek Europe)
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