Hii team' IQOO community,

Have you ever felt tricked by a website or mobile app? You might have fallen prey to a dark pattern. Dark patterns are manipulative design techniques used to deceive and trick users into taking actions they didn't intend to take.

From pop-ups that urge you to sign up for a subscription to hidden costs during checkout, these patterns can be found in almost every digital product. The reason behind the use of dark patterns is simple - it's all about money. Companies use these manipulative tactics to boost their revenue by tricking you into taking actions that benefit them.

The use of dark patterns has become a norm in the tech industry, and it's not just the small companies that are guilty of it. Even some of the big names like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Microsoft have been accused of using these tactics.

The most common dark patterns include:

❗ Forced Continuity: When a free trial automatically converts to a paid subscription, without giving users the option to cancel. That’s why you are forced to enter your credit detail before even trying the so-called ‘Free Trail’, pun intended.

❗ Sneak into Basket: Adding extra items to a user's shopping cart without their consent. You may notice this whenever you shop from certain websites that also offer some sort of subscription service, They automatically add in their subscription or some sort of add-on in your cart and if you are not vigilant enough or you are a compulsive shopper like me, you may end up having multiple subscriptions and add-ons that you don’t even know you have. I personally had this experience with Lenskart.

❗ Misdirection: Using design elements like colors and placement to trick users into clicking on ads or signing up for a newsletter. This is one of the most common dark patterns that you can observe across the web and the globe.

❗ Friend Spam: Sending unwanted messages to the user and sometimes the user's contacts list without consent.

These manipulative design techniques are not only unethical, but they can also be illegal in some cases. The European Union has banned certain types of dark patterns, and the United States Federal Trade Commission has been cracking down on companies that use them.

As users, it's essential to be aware of these dark patterns and to understand how they work. Always read the fine print and pay attention to any prompts or pop-ups that appear. If you suspect that a company is using dark patterns, report it to the appropriate authorities.

In conclusion, dark patterns are a serious concern that can significantly impact your wallet and your privacy. The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed and vigilant. Don't let companies trick you into taking actions that benefit them at your expense. Remember, knowledge is power, and the more you know about dark patterns, the less likely you are to fall victim to them.

I hope you may have enjoyed the thread; That's all I have for now, see you on the flip side.

singing off

@Shashank Singh

Tech Creator, IQOO community