In spite of an increase in Internet speed, webpage speeds have not improved (nngroup.com)

Article summary

Despite significant increases in internet speed, webpage load times have not improved over the past decade, with median load times remaining stagnant for desktop computers and actually increasing for mobile devices. This is surprising given the advancements in network speeds and computer processors. The article suggests that the problem of slow websites persists due to factors other than network speed, such as the complexity of websites and the use of third-party advertising. The article also highlights the importance of optimizing webpage load times, citing studies that show even small delays can lead to significant decreases in user engagement and conversion rates.

Main themes

• Webpage load times
• Internet speed and performance
• Third-party advertising and tracking
• JavaScript and optimization
• Mobile devices and wireless networks
• Developer priorities and trade-offs

What commenters say

• The primary cause of slow webpage load times is the excessive use of third-party advertising and tracking scripts.
• The shift towards mobile devices and wireless networks has introduced new latency and bandwidth challenges that contribute to slow webpage load times.
• Developers often prioritize feature development over optimization, resulting in slower webpage load times.
• The use of JavaScript and external resources can significantly slow down webpage load times, especially if not properly optimized.
• Some commenters argue that the problem is not with JavaScript itself, but with how it is used and optimized.
• Others suggest that browsers should ask for user permission for each cookie and JavaScript should be disabled by default to improve webpage load times.
• The complexity of modern websites and the tendency to add more features and resources without optimizing for performance are also seen as major contributors to slow webpage load times.