Why dont websites use _blank for external links anymore?

Question

Was it always like this? I find myself right clicking > new tabbing for every link now. Not to mention that the problem is exacerbated by &ldquo;enhanced&rdquo; js scrolling.Some HN links from just today that do it https://fullstackeconomics.com/why-america-cant-build-big-things-any-more/https://patrickcollison.com/fasthttps://gankra.github.io/blah/fix-rust-pointers/https://gashamola.com/2022/03/16/the-elephant-in-the-event-loop.htmlAnd just for a nice change here&rsquo;s a link that acts as you would expecthttps://migrant.substack.com/p/how-google-fi-suddenly-struck?s=r

IlPeach · Accepted Answer

I'm going to add my 2&cent; here: the main reason for not using _blank is to give users the ability to choose whether they want to open links in a new tab or not.More widely, from a UX perspective its use, as with any action the user can perform, should be clear on what to expect: e.g. using iconography that hints the opening is going to be in a new page, whether the link is pointing to a different domain, and stating what the link is about (i.e. no use of "click here").This might not have been a conscious choice by the website designers, so not explaining why this is happening on those sites, but I hope it adds to the discussion.

dangrossman · Answer

You can hold control when clicking a link to open it in a new tab, or hold shift to open it in a new window. If the website author puts a target on the link, then they're taking away your control over where the link opens. There's no reason for them to make the choice for you.

herbst · Answer

I still do it for every external link, and while I myself use CTRL click on other sites I still see target _blank or $name to be a reasonable addition for any external link.

schwartzworld · Answer

Every designer I've ever worked with loved modals. About 75% of the use cases for them would be better served opening the link in a new tab.

unsignednoop · Answer

Reviewing, this was just a rant. Should I delete?