Privacy & Data
All Ages
Dark Patterns: The Art of the Trick
How apps use psychological tricks to keep you spending and scrolling.
THE TACTIC
Dark Patterns are design choices made by apps to trick you into doing things you didn't intend to do, like buying a subscription or sharing your contact list.
COMMON PATTERNS
1. Roach Motels: It is easy to sign up for a service but nearly impossible to find the cancellation button.
2. Confshaming: Using guilt to make you click a button, such as No, I prefer to pay full price.
3. Sneak into Basket: Adding extra items or insurance to your checkout without your explicit permission.
DEFENSE
When an app makes you feel rushed, confused, or guilty, it is likely using a dark pattern. Close the app and rethink your choice.
Dark Patterns are design choices made by apps to trick you into doing things you didn't intend to do, like buying a subscription or sharing your contact list.
COMMON PATTERNS
1. Roach Motels: It is easy to sign up for a service but nearly impossible to find the cancellation button.
2. Confshaming: Using guilt to make you click a button, such as No, I prefer to pay full price.
3. Sneak into Basket: Adding extra items or insurance to your checkout without your explicit permission.
DEFENSE
When an app makes you feel rushed, confused, or guilty, it is likely using a dark pattern. Close the app and rethink your choice.