The Dark Patterns Hall of Shame is an online resource dedicated to identifying and exposing “dark patterns” in digital design. Dark patterns are deceptive design practices that can manipulate users into making unintended decisions, influencing their behavior in a way that is not in their best interest, often for the benefit of the organization implementing them.
The repository categorizes a multitude of real-world examples into specific types of dark patterns, such as “Bait and Switch,” which involves luring users with a promising offer only to change the conditions, or “Confirmshaming,” which employs guilt or shame to induce users to opt into services. “Disguised Ads” mimic user interface elements to trick users into clicking them, while “Fake Scarcity” creates a false sense of urgency to hasten user decision-making. “Hidden Costs” reveals unexpected additional charges at the end of a purchasing process, and “Misdirection” employs design to divert attention from important choices. Other categories include “Nagging,” “Obstruction,” “Preselection,” “Privacy Zuckering,” “Roach Motel,” “Sneak into Basket,” and “Trick Questions,” all demonstrating unique tactics designed to subvert user autonomy.
