Not the person you're asking, but I find it adds a delay to setting off and frequently feels 'wrong' because it cuts the engine for a very short time.

(I don't often drive at rush hour, so often I might just stop at a light for literally 1 or 2 seconds whilst it notices I'm there and then switches over to green, or maybe I've timed it almost right to slow down gradually to the lights and only have to stop for a short time at the end.)

I don't know anything but I have been wondering if it might actually be worse for emissions and engine wear for the auto to cut off only for 1 or 2 seconds each time.

I can see the appeal in traffic with longer waits though?

I envy that you only stop at lights for 1-2 seconds. Where I live, you'll find not only heavy traffic but also red lights that are several minutes long.

Isn't it hard on the starter?

The automatic stop-start system found in newer cars isn’t especially hard on the starter. These systems have reinforced bearings, faster engagement mechanisms, direct fuel injection or integrated starter generators, which start the engine without relying on a starter motor at all.