Beware of Dark Patterns

I just got web-scammed the other day. I had intended to give my mentor a traditional Icelandic sweater but what I got was not what I ordered but a polyester top with a traditional Icelandic wool-knit pattern printed on it. It itches, smells weird and reminded me of my online mantra: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. I’m saving the sweater for the perfect occasion, preferably a presentation on Cybersecurity.

I’m taking it as a reminder of all the ways that are now being used to scam money out of us, put particularly the kind we call Dark Patterns.

Dark patterns refer to user interfaces or design options that are intentionally crafted to manipulate or deceive us. Here are some examples:

Misleading visuals or text:

Using misleading images or text to create a false impression of the advertised product or service. This can include exaggerated claims, fake endorsements, or images that misrepresent the actual product.

Hidden costs:

Withholding information about additional charges until a user is well into the checkout process. For example, not disclosing shipping fees, taxes, or other extra costs until the final steps of a transaction.

Trick questions or confusing language:

Phrasing questions or statements in a way that confuses users or leads them to make choices they didn’t intend. This can include unclear opt-in/opt-out language, making it difficult for users to decline certain offers.

Sneak into basket:

Automatically adding items to a user’s shopping cart without their explicit consent. This tactic is designed to make users unintentionally purchase items they didn’t select.

Misdirection:

Using design elements or UI components to divert attention away from critical information or actions. For example, placing an inconspicuous “subscribe” button near a prominent “close” button to trick users into signing up for a service.

Forced continuity:

Making it difficult for users to cancel subscriptions or opt out of services. This can involve burying cancelation options in complex menus, requiring multiple steps to complete the process, or using confusing language.

Roach motel:

Making it easy for users to sign up for a service but difficult to cancel or leave. The term “roach motel” implies that users can check in easily but find it hard to check out.

Privacy Zuckering:

Named after Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, this term refers to misleading users into sharing more personal information than they initially intended by making privacy settings confusing or difficult to navigate.

Scare tactics:

Using language or visuals to create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt immediate action. For example, displaying pop-ups claiming that a user’s computer is infected with malware and urging them to download a particular security tool.

Bait-and-switch:

Advertising a product or service at a certain price or with certain features, only to switch it with a different, less favorable option once the user engages with the content.

Social proof manipulation:

Faking or exaggerating social proof elements, such as reviews, testimonials, or user ratings, to create a false sense of popularity or credibility.