Many actors try to gain attention on the Internet. But that’s not always the right thing to do. This also applies when so-called dark patterns are used. We’ll explain to you what it is and how you can protect yourself from manipulation online.
Many websites on the Internet are all about lasting as long as possible. Manipulative tactics, so-called dark patterns, are often used for this purpose.
These often follow a similar pattern. We’ll tell you which dark patterns are lurking on the internet and how you can protect yourself from manipulation.
What are Dark Patterns?
The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) refers to Dark Patterns as “manipulative designs or processes”. These are intended to get users to take a certain action on the Internet.
Dark patterns are often used to get your personal information or trick you into subscriptions and other contracts.
One of the most well-known examples is the cookie settings pop-up windows on websites. These are often designed in such a way that they entice you to click on the largest and most noticeable button. This will allow all cookies.
Anyone who wants to restrict or change these settings often has to deal with the fine print. Additionally, this information may be difficult to find or websites may present it in a cumbersome manner.
Websites and apps are designed instinctively
The Dark Patterns exploit human habits. Many websites and apps are now designed to be very intuitive.
Therefore, designs that precisely address these intuitive reactions are often used. Information is not presented neutrally, but rather in a way that serves the interests of a shop or platform.
“If you frequently visit websites, you have learned, for example, to recognize a colored text as a button and know that this triggers an action,” the VZBV explains these behavioral patterns. This is exactly what dark patterns exploit “to bring about desired actions that you perhaps didn’t even want to take.”
More examples of dark patterns
In addition to cookie settings, there are other well-known dark patterns that are often used on websites. For example, when registering for newsletters. The VZBV shows the example of registering for the newsletter: “I don’t want to register for the newsletter.”
It is assumed that users tend to ignore the “not” at this point and do not check the box because they do not want to subscribe to the newsletter. It’s worth taking a closer look at the formulation.
Another popular dark pattern is so-called “confirmshaming”. Users are given options to choose from. However, when you unsubscribe from the newsletter, phrases like “I don’t like offers” suggest that you are missing out on something.
The consumer advice center advises not to let yourself feel guilty in such cases. It is also advisable not to click on buttons too quickly. As with newsletter formulations, it is important to read the texts carefully and check the options.
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The article Manipulation on the Internet: What are Dark Patterns? by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am deeply concerned about the prevalence of manipulation on the internet, particularly through the use of dark patterns. Dark patterns are design techniques used on websites and apps that manipulate users into taking actions they may not want to take, such as signing up for a service, making a purchase, or sharing personal information.
These patterns can take many forms, from misleading language and confusing layouts to hidden checkboxes and countdown timers. They exploit cognitive biases and the psychology of decision-making to steer users towards choices that benefit the company behind the website or app, rather than the user themselves.
Dark patterns not only erode trust between users and technology companies, but they also have serious ethical implications. They can lead to unintended consequences, such as users unknowingly consenting to invasive data collection practices or being tricked into spending money on products or services they don’t need.
As a Tech Industry expert, it is crucial for us to take a stand against these manipulative practices and prioritize user empowerment and transparency in design. By advocating for ethical design principles and holding companies accountable for their use of dark patterns, we can help create a more trustworthy and user-friendly digital landscape.
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