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Dark Patterns: Difference between revisions
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'''A dark pattern is a manipulative tactic that takes advantage of inherent vulnerabilities in human psychology, such as [[cognitive biases]], to achieve a specific objective.''' | '''A dark pattern is a manipulative tactic that takes advantage of inherent vulnerabilities in human psychology, such as [[cognitive biases]], to achieve a specific objective.''' | ||
Since the proliferation of the internet, dark patterns have been seamlessly integrated into various online elements like marketing strategies, gaming interfaces, and user experiences. They are meticulously designed to | Since the proliferation of the internet, dark patterns have been seamlessly integrated into various online elements like marketing strategies, gaming interfaces, and user experiences. They are meticulously designed to nudge users into specific actions, such as coerced purchases or unwittingly subscribing to recurring bills. The list of dark patterns is extensive however, the most common modern examples include: | ||
* [[The Decoy Effect|'''The Decoy Effect''']] - by offering three options instead of one, the [[Anchoring Effect|anchoring effect]] can be taken advantage of to get the user to buy a higher priced item than they would normally. | * [[The Decoy Effect|'''The Decoy Effect''']] - by offering three options instead of one, the [[Anchoring Effect|anchoring effect]] can be taken advantage of to get the user to buy a higher priced item than they would normally. | ||
* '''Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)''' - by creating a false sense of urgency or scarcity to pressure users into making quick decisions. This takes advantage of the [[Loss Aversion Bias|loss aversion bias]]. | * '''Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)''' - by creating a false sense of urgency or scarcity to pressure users into making quick decisions. This takes advantage of the [[Loss Aversion Bias|loss aversion bias]]. | ||
* '''Social Proof Notifications''' - by displaying notifications implying that others have taken a certain action, even if they haven't takes advantage of the [[Bandwagon Effect|bandwagon effect]] (aka ''Groupthink'' or ''conformity bias''). | * '''Social Proof Notifications''' - by displaying notifications implying that others have taken a certain action, even if they haven't takes advantage of the [[Bandwagon Effect|bandwagon effect]] (aka ''Groupthink'' or ''conformity bias''). | ||
* [[Framing|'''Framing Effects''']] - by framing a product as “90% fat-free” rather than “10% fat” can lead to more favorable perceptions and choices. | |||
* '''Roach Motel''' or [[The Gruen Transfer|'''Gruen transfer''']] - works by making it easy for users to get into a situation (like a subscription) but difficult for them to get out of it. | |||
* '''Bait and Switch''' - by offering a product or deal and then substituting it with a less favorable one marketeers take advantage of the [[Anchoring Effect|anchoring]] effect. | |||
* '''Privacy Zuckering''' - by tricking users into publicly sharing more information than they intended to, marketeers take advantage of [[optimism bias]]. | * '''Privacy Zuckering''' - by tricking users into publicly sharing more information than they intended to, marketeers take advantage of [[optimism bias]]. | ||
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=== Human Impact === | === Human Impact === | ||
Dark Patterns are a form of coercion as they take advantage of inherent weaknesses. Whilst it may be your intention to reduce how many subscriptions you pay, or how much stuff you buy, by being constantly bombarded with "buy now" messages and then reeled in by dark patterns its not a level playing ground. Instead of being a consumer making and informed choice you are actively being manipulated by a profit maximising [[Machines|machine]]. | Dark Patterns are a form of coercion as they take advantage of inherent weaknesses in human perceptual and processing systems. Whilst it may be your intention to reduce how many subscriptions you pay, or how much stuff you buy, by being constantly bombarded with "buy now" messages and then reeled in by dark patterns its not a level playing ground. Instead of being a consumer making and informed choice you are actively being manipulated by a profit maximising [[Machines|machine]]. | ||