dark pattern
What It Means
Dark patterns are website or app design tricks that manipulate users into doing things they didn't intend to do, like buying products, sharing data, or signing up for subscriptions. These designs exploit psychological biases to benefit the company at the user's expense, often making it hard for people to make informed choices.
Why Chief AI Officers Care
Dark patterns create significant legal and reputational risks as regulators increasingly crack down on deceptive practices, while also damaging customer trust and long-term brand value. Companies using these tactics face potential fines, lawsuits, and customer backlash that can far exceed any short-term gains from manipulative design.
Real-World Example
An online retailer automatically adds expensive insurance or expedited shipping to your cart during checkout, with the option to remove it hidden in small text or multiple clicks away. Another example is subscription services that make signing up one click but require calling customer service during limited hours to cancel.
Common Confusion
Many executives think dark patterns are just 'aggressive marketing' or 'conversion optimization,' but unlike legitimate persuasion techniques, dark patterns specifically deceive or manipulate users rather than helping them make informed decisions that serve their actual interests.
Industry-Specific Applications
See how this term applies to healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, tech, and insurance.
Healthcare: In healthcare, dark patterns in digital health platforms can manipulate patients into sharing sensitive health data, enr...
Finance: In finance, dark patterns frequently appear in digital banking, investment platforms, and fintech apps through misleadin...
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Includes:
- 6 industry-specific applications
- Relevant regulations by sector
- Real compliance scenarios
- Implementation guidance
Technical Definitions
NISTNational Institute of Standards and Technology
"“Dark pattern” means a user interface designed or manipulated with the substantial effect of subverting or impairing user autonomy, decisionmaking, or choice, as further defined by regulation."Source: CCPA
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