Dark Patterns on the Internet: What They Are, How They Work, and How You Can Avoid Them

The internet has become a part of our daily lives. We shop online, watch content, use social media, and make digital payments almost every day. But while the online world makes our lives convenient, it also contains hidden traps created by companies to influence our decisions. One of the biggest digital tricks used today is called Dark Patterns. These are deceptive design techniques that push users into doing things they did not originally intend to do. In this blog, we will explore in simple English:

What dark patterns are, how they work, why companies use them, their types, real-life examples, laws related to them, and how you can protect yourself.

What Are Dark Patterns?

Dark Patterns are deceptive user interface designs used by websites and apps to trick users into taking actions that benefit the company but may harm the user in some way.

In other words, a dark pattern makes a user think they are doing A, but in reality, they end up doing B.

For example:

A website hides the “cancel” button but highlights the “subscribe” button.
A shopping site falsely shows “Only 1 item left” to force quick buying.
An app collects unnecessary permissions by confusing the user.

These designs are not accidental — they are created intentionally by UX designers and marketing teams to influence human psychology.

How Do Dark Patterns Work?

Dark patterns are designed to exploit the weaknesses of human psychology. Companies know that most users:

Don’t read long-term conditions
Make quick decisions
Are attracted to discounts and urgency
Trust popular websites easily
Want the simplest, fastest option

Dark patterns take advantage of these behaviors. They work through:

1. Confusing the User

Buttons are designed in such a way that the user clicks the wrong one.

2. Hiding Important Information

Critical details like cancellation terms, hidden charges, or auto-renewal options are kept in small fonts or placed in separate pages.

3. Creating Fear or Urgency

Messages like “Hurry! Only 1 left” push the user to buy quickly.

4. Making the Wrong Choice Look Good

The harmful or expensive choice is made visually attractive, while the better option is made dull or harder to find.

5. Using Long and Tricky Language

Complex sentences are used so users approve of something without fully understanding it.

In short, dark patterns exploit the limited attention span of an online user.

Why Do Companies Use Dark Patterns?

There are three major reasons:

1. To Make More Money

Most dark patterns are designed to increase sales, subscriptions, or ad revenue.

Example:
Auto-renewal is turned on by default to charge users without reminding them.

2. To Collect More User Data

Apps often use dark patterns to collect extra permissions like location, contacts, or browsing activity. This data is later used for advertising.

3. To Keep Users Trapped

Some platforms make deleting accounts or unsubscribing extremely complicated, so users don't leave.

Types of Dark Patterns (With Simple Explanations)

1. Privacy Zuckering

Tricking users into giving away more personal data than necessary.

2. Roach Motel

Easy to get into, hard to get out of.
For example: Creating an account is easy, but deleting it requires 10 steps.

3. Bait and Switch

Showing one offer but delivering something else.

4. Confirmshaming

Making the user feel guilty for choosing “No.”

Example:
“No, I don’t want to save money.”

5. Forced Continuity

After a free trial ends, money is automatically deducted without sending any reminder.

6. Trick Questions

Questions are designed to confuse, so users click the wrong option.

7. Hidden Costs

Extra charges are added at the last step of checkout.

8. Disguised Ads

Ads that look exactly like normal content, so users click unintentionally.

9. Nagging

Constant pop-ups force the user to do something.

Real-Life Examples of Dark Patterns

1. Fake Urgency Messages

“Only 1 item left!”—even when the stock is full.

2. Auto-Renewal Without Clear Warning

Users expect a free trial, but money gets deducted after 7 days.

3. Hidden Unsubscribe Options

Some apps hide the logout or unsubscribe button deep inside multiple menus.

4. Misleading Ads on Download Websites

The “Download” button is actually an ad, but looks real.

5. Popup That Makes the Wrong Choice Easier

“Accept All” in bold color
“Manage Settings” in small, dull text

How Can You Protect Yourself From Dark Patterns?

You don’t need technical knowledge — just simple awareness.

✔ 1. Read Before You Click

Don’t rush through sign-ups and subscriptions.

✔ 2. Turn Off Auto-Pay or Auto-Renewal

This prevents unwanted deductions.

✔ 3. Review App Permissions

Allow only what is necessary.

✔ 4. Double-Check Offers That Look Too Good

Always question “Why is this free?”

✔ 5. Set Calendar Alerts for Free Trials

Cancel on time.

✔ 6. Use “Guest Checkout” When Possible

Avoid unnecessary account creation.

✔ 7. Read User Reviews on Play Store/App Store

People often complain about dark patterns there.

✔ 8. Don’t Fall for Urgency Messages

E-commerce platforms often exaggerate stock levels.

Conclusion

Dark patterns are everywhere — from big social media platforms to small online shopping sites. They are smart, subtle, and designed to influence your decisions without your knowledge. Understanding dark patterns is the first step to protecting yourself from them.

By staying alert, reading carefully, and thinking twice before clicking anything, you can avoid falling into these traps. Remember:
Awareness is your strongest protection in the digital world.