Dark pattern: Difference between revisions
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'''Dark patterns''' refers to deceptive design practices used in websites, applications, or digital interfaces to manipulate users into making decisions that benefit the organization implementing them, often at the expense of the user’s best interests. Coined by User Experience (UX) specialist Harry Brignull in 2010, the term has since become a critical focus in consumer advocacy, as these practices undermine transparency and user autonomy. | '''Dark patterns''' refers to deceptive design practices used in websites, applications, or digital interfaces to manipulate users into making decisions that benefit the organization implementing them, often at the expense of the user’s best interests. Coined by User Experience (UX) specialist Harry Brignull in 2010, the term has since become a critical focus in consumer advocacy, as these practices undermine transparency and user autonomy. | ||
===Types and | ===Types and examples of dark patterns=== | ||
Dark patterns can be found across multiple industries and platforms. While some examples overlap or share common tactics, all rely on manipulation and deception to achieve their goals. Listed below are the most notable types: | Dark patterns can be found across multiple industries and platforms. While some examples overlap or share common tactics, all rely on manipulation and deception to achieve their goals. Listed below are the most notable types: | ||
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*'''Obstruction''': Simple tasks are made unnecessarily complicated, such as requiring users to navigate multiple steps to cancel a subscription or delete an account. | *'''Obstruction''': Simple tasks are made unnecessarily complicated, such as requiring users to navigate multiple steps to cancel a subscription or delete an account. | ||
===Why | ===Why dark patterns are problematic=== | ||
Dark patterns are more than just unethical design choices. They have real-world consequences for consumers and society. Key concerns include: | Dark patterns are more than just unethical design choices. They have real-world consequences for consumers and society. Key concerns include: | ||
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*'''Exploitation of Vulnerability''': Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, such as children or those with limited digital literacy. | *'''Exploitation of Vulnerability''': Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, such as children or those with limited digital literacy. | ||
===Regulatory | ===Regulatory efforts=== | ||
Governments and consumer-protection organizations are increasingly scrutinizing dark patterns. Key developments include: | Governments and consumer-protection organizations are increasingly scrutinizing dark patterns. Key developments include: | ||
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*'''[[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC)''': In the U.S., the FTC has taken action against companies employing dark patterns, including fines and enforcement actions. | *'''[[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC)''': In the U.S., the FTC has taken action against companies employing dark patterns, including fines and enforcement actions. | ||
===Combating | ===Combating dark patterns=== | ||
Consumers and designers can take steps to identify and combat dark patterns by: | Consumers and designers can take steps to identify and combat dark patterns by: | ||