After reading Dark Patterns my view of websites has not changed. Websites have been using deceptive practices for a long time and they will continue to do so. The question now is will it be more or less? It is everywhere on the web from the page setup and layout to the opt-out options at checkout.
I have had several experiences with dark patterns, Turbo Tax just had a lawsuit finalized because it was advertising free services and charging by the time you got to checkout. Apple also had deceptive practices with its subscription services if you signed up for an app and you only wanted the free trial period they made it difficult to find where to cancel, it was buried deep in iPhone settings. People would end up being charged or forgetting they signed up completely.
It’s frustrating that every company is trying to get over on you and you have to fight for your NOs.
Latoya Chaplin
It should be simple and of course, ask for more money, show different options; add a few of those annoying pops-up, after or during the checkout but don’t sign me up for emails or a monthly service that I’m not interested in because you’re betting that I’m going to forget.
The only benefit to using dark patterns is to get over on people! Yes highlight your recommended plan and show the opt-in boxes but don’t hide things in the fine print and don’t ask for a credit card so that there is a possibility that you can bill me after a trial period if I forget. I didn’t sign up because I don’t want the service and that should be okay.
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