Dark Patterns at Scale is a thorough collection of the high-pressure and deceptive tricks used on websites to get you to do things you didn't intend. Some are merely the online equivalents of the late J.C. Penney's neverending sales (96% off socks!), but many are outrageous cons and frauds.
Comprehensive tour of dark patterns at shopping websites
Dark patterns in games
Dark Pattern Games describes the tricks used to make games compulsive and profitable: once hallmarks of clever design, many of these qualities have gone rotten in the age of monetization, social networking and intentional research into what turns us into virtual addicts. Definition: A gaming dark pattern is something that is deliberately added to a… READ THE REST
California bans "dark pattern" designs intended to trick website users
Dark patterns are manipulative or deceptive interface designs that result in unintended outcomes such as recurring subscriptions, oversharing personal information, or making it impossible to close an account. California is banning them, with a monthlong grace period for offenders to fix their shit. The law bans tricks like burdening users with confusing language or forcing… READ THE REST
Onetravel sucks at dark patterns
Security research Ophir Harpaz was trying to book a flight using Onetravel; as she browsed available itineraries, she couldn't help but notice a prominent warning that "39 people are looking at this flight" (this is a cheap gimmick, one of the many "dark patterns" that once lured naive internet users to making rash decisions, but… READ THE REST
Babbel is a fast track to language fluency. And right now, it's over half off.
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Communication is the key to, well, almost everything. Understanding and being understood is so core to the experience of life that species will do almost anything to make sure they're heard… READ THE REST
Don't wait until Prime Day to get this Apple Watch-compatible keychain charger
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. We know that technology can get overwhelming and is mostly very helpful, but none of your electronics can be good to you dead. Your phone is super useful daily, but it's your… READ THE REST
Start holiday shopping for Dad before Prime Day with this deal on a $20 Pocket ChainSaw
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. A reliable chainsaw is necessary once you become a homeowner, but it often takes a lot of effort to lift and operate. The Pocket ChainSaw is a must for anyone who needs to cut and… READ THE REST
