Dark patterns, also known as deceptive design or deceptive patterns, are essentially tricks. Websites and apps use dark patterns to manipulate users into making decisions they wouldn’t have otherwise ...
Dark patterns are special tricks used in the interface of applications and websites that make you do things that you don’t really want to. For example, when you land on a website and have to sign up ...
Some business practices on the internet may not be against the law, but they undermine or manipulate consumer choice. Legal advocates have coined a new name for this practice: dark patterns. Difficult ...
Tech companies, subscription apps and e-commerce sites have for years used subtle tricks to nudge people toward a decision or purchase they might not otherwise make. There's even a name for the ...
We have all encountered them, in both our personal and professional lives. Think about the times you felt tricked or frustrated by a membership or subscription that had a seamless signup process but ...
Navigating the virtual marketplace has become an integral part of the consumer experience in the digital age. Lurking behind the convenience and accessibility of e-commerce websites, however, lies a ...
Spotify still has a Basic subscription tier, but it’s not available to everyone. Digital Music News takes a look at the many ...
Even if you’ve never heard the term “dark pattern” before, you’ve likely come across one. Consumer Reports provides a list of examples in a tweet, and on the tip line’s site, but there are entire ...
MORE. IT’S A TERM THAT’S BEEN USED IN THE ONLINE WORLD FOR A FEW YEARS NOW, BUT NOW FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IS TRYING TO SHINE SOME LIGHT ON WHAT ARE KNOWN AS DARK PATTERNS USE TO TRICK YOU INTO ...
At the end of 2025, millions of Americans started receiving small payments, usually under $51, with the note “Amazon FTC ...
It’s happened to all of us. You’re browsing online and a pop-up appears, blocking the entire screen and urging you to enter your email in exchange for 10% off. You look for the “X” to close the window ...