Dark Patterns
Dark patterns are manipulative interface tricks designed to trick users into actions they wouldn't normally choose, like accepting all cookies. Examples include hidden options, misleading buttons, and frictionless flows that exploit human psychology.
Dark patterns are deceptive interface designs intentionally crafted to manipulate users into actions they would not otherwise choose, such as sharing data, making purchases, or accepting terms. Common tactics include hidden options, misleading buttons, and frictionless acceptance flows that exploit cognitive biases. Unlike accidental poor design, these patterns are purpose-built to exploit human psychology for corporate gain while hindering user autonomy.
What this means in real life
A streaming service makes the 'Continue Free Trial' button large and bright, while the 'Cancel Subscription' link is tiny gray text at the bottom of a settings page, so users accidentally get charged when they meant to quit.
What it isn’t
Not simply poor design or confusing interfaces. A dark pattern is intentional manipulation—the company *knows* the design misleads users. A genuinely confusing but well-meaning website is just bad UX, not a dark pattern.
Commonly misused online
People call any slightly annoying website feature a 'dark pattern'—like a popup asking for email signup or a required account login. True dark patterns are deceptive tricks designed to exploit users, not just features users find inconvenient.