Dark patterns seem to be popping up everywhere, even on mainstream apps and websites. Author: Tanya Rivera, CONSUMER REPORTS Published: 1:57 PM EDT August 3, 2021 Updated: 11:23 PM EDT August 3, 2021
GREENSBORO, N.C. You’ve probably seen privacy settings that seem intentionally confusing or have been forced to jump through hoops just to end an online subscription. All of those manipulative practices and confusing language are known as “dark patterns,” and as Consumer Reports explains, they can lead you to make choices you usually wouldn’t.
Dark patterns seem to be popping up everywhere, even on mainstream apps and websites. You can often find them when you’re registering for a new online account; maybe you have to click a box to keep the company from bombarding you with email.