Yusra3
VIP Contributor
When shopping and browsing online, beware of manipulative tricks called ‘dark patterns’ deliberately used by companies to influence and exploit consumers. Here are common dark patterns and ways to counteract them:
Sneak Into Basket
Some sites automatically add products to your cart or bundle extras hoping you don’t notice the upsell. Carefully review your cart and delete any items you didn’t intend to buy.
Visual Interference
Pop-ups and banner ads that obstruct seeing product details or checkout process are designed so you click just to move past them. Install ad blockers and close disruptive overlays.
Confirmshaming
Language intended to shame you out of cancelling an order or unsubscribing such as “Are you sure? Your cart will be emptied”. Stick to your intentions regardless of how they phrase it.
Forced Enrollment
Opting out of emails or notifications takes multiple steps when it should be one click. Look for sneaky pre-checked boxes and uncheck promptly.
Activity messages
“5 people are looking at this item right now!” creates false urgency to purchase out of fear of missing out. Ignore the social pressure tactics.
Privacy Zuckering
Long confusing privacy policies and permissions so users surrender info out of fatigue. Read closely and limit access. Favor user-first brands.
Harder to cancel
Easy to sign up, difficult to cancel is a shady retention strategy. Tenacity pays off - keep contacting customer service if needed.
By learning to recognize these and other manipulations, you can assert control over purchases and personal data. Seek companies that value informed consent and choice. And when dark patterns emerge, push back rather than cave to pressures.
Sneak Into Basket
Some sites automatically add products to your cart or bundle extras hoping you don’t notice the upsell. Carefully review your cart and delete any items you didn’t intend to buy.
Visual Interference
Pop-ups and banner ads that obstruct seeing product details or checkout process are designed so you click just to move past them. Install ad blockers and close disruptive overlays.
Confirmshaming
Language intended to shame you out of cancelling an order or unsubscribing such as “Are you sure? Your cart will be emptied”. Stick to your intentions regardless of how they phrase it.
Forced Enrollment
Opting out of emails or notifications takes multiple steps when it should be one click. Look for sneaky pre-checked boxes and uncheck promptly.
Activity messages
“5 people are looking at this item right now!” creates false urgency to purchase out of fear of missing out. Ignore the social pressure tactics.
Privacy Zuckering
Long confusing privacy policies and permissions so users surrender info out of fatigue. Read closely and limit access. Favor user-first brands.
Harder to cancel
Easy to sign up, difficult to cancel is a shady retention strategy. Tenacity pays off - keep contacting customer service if needed.
By learning to recognize these and other manipulations, you can assert control over purchases and personal data. Seek companies that value informed consent and choice. And when dark patterns emerge, push back rather than cave to pressures.
