“A tacit message that my
research has been co-opted for dark patterns.”
Dark patterns is a literal reference to deceptive devices that trick users online. For instance, Privacy Zuckering is a dark pattern that tricks users into sharing more information than they intended to – i.e. unknowingly granting someone access to a friend’s data.
Who should be protecting users from designed pitfalls? Should we place the burden on individuals to educate themselves on the latest nefarious techniques, or expect governments to regulate those who nudge us to make poor decisions?