Dark Patterns

How has your understanding of how you view websites changed?

I will now view and utilize websites based on how I view their intent. I will look for confirm-shaming, trick-wording, sneaking, and nagging. If I feel the site is implementing deceptive design tactics, I will find a similar site to use that I feel is not using deceptive tactics. If I must use a manipulative site, I will read all content very carefully to ensure that whatever I read is in my best interest.

Have you had a personal experience of a dark pattern design while using a website or app? If so, please provide one example and explain how you felt.

I have experienced dark patterns on many sites regarding cookies. Many sites make it difficult for a user to reject consent to cookies. A cookie banner pops up but doesn’t have the option to reject all cookies. The sites only allow users to accept all cookies or reject some cookies. These sites push the user to accept some form of cookie when most users do not want any cookies. Sometimes these sites do not provide a clear rejection of cookies at all. They make it so difficult for the user to click reject that most users, including myself, become frustrated and likely accept the cookies. I feel discouraged, and this makes me upset now that I have learned that some sites are practicing these deceiving methods intentionally.

Do you believe there is a benefit to using dark patterns in web development? Please answer in complete sentences.

Yes, statistics show that dark patterns work for gaining high user data and consent. Initially, profits are on the rise. However, no, because over time a company will lose the trust of the consumers when the consumer feels deceived and misled. The company risks not only losing the profits from a single subscription transaction but also losing the consumer altogether. People are getting tired of being misguided and misinformed.