Should links open in current tab or new tab?

[sourabhtk37]

It's a somewhat yes or no situation for open in new tab. Back then it would have been very bad design since the browsers didn't have "tabs" and it would spawn an entire new window. Now they have tabs and it gives users feedback that something happened and new tab is opened.

The necessity of new tab in current scenario depends upon:

• Whether there is a browse-able content on the current page that the user would like to return to?
• Is there any active video content that the user might be playing?
• Are there form fields that user may have filled half way through and clicked on something like terms and conditions?

Please share your views.

[rajudev]

The behaviour of opening new tabs should be the default one. Unless the link is referring to the websites own section.
This ensures that the user stays on the web page. Rather than getting carried away to any other link.

[cvam0000]

IMO the new page should open in the same tab.