unless you have very "tight" settings on your computer, which include denying "cookies", you are, indeed, being tracked. every place you visit leaves a "cookie" on your computer, which marks it for any other visit, or any similar site that can "mine" the information. the settings can be changed to deny cookies, but then you'll be using a lot more passwords on familiar sites, etc. (once the site no longer "recognizes" your computer, via the cookie, you have to jump through more hoops to enter.) it's like anything--good side, bad side. has to be your choice, in the end. cookies, no cookies?