Dark pattern
A general term, used across the technology industry and by researchers, for a user-interface or conversational design choice that steers a user toward a decision, continuing to engage, making a purchase, sharing more data, that serves the product's interest more than it serves the user's own clearly considered preference.
Defined in 2 GAGE programs, which carry 4 distinct definitions of it. The wording above is taught in Senior AI Scam Defense.
How each discipline defines it
The same term does different work depending on who is using it. These are the definitions as each program teaches them, unedited.
A user-interface or promotional-display design intended to mislead or manipulate a consumer; the broader design pattern covers many manipulative techniques beyond pricing (forced continuity, confirm-shaming, hidden opt-outs), but in this topic's context the term specifically refers to fabricated "was" prices, undisclosed fees, or deceptive discount framing prohibited by Article 18 of the Internet Platform Pricing Conduct Rules.
A general term, used across the technology industry and by researchers, for a user-interface or conversational design choice that steers a user toward a decision, continuing to engage, making a purchase, sharing more data, that serves the product's interest more than it serves the user's own clearly considered preference.
an interface design choice, such as a multi-step cancellation screen or an automatic "are you sure" prompt, built to make leaving a platform feel more costly than it needs to be; named in Section 3N as a feature of the platform itself, separate from the human scam contact.
A design or communication technique intended to lead a person toward a decision, such as believing a purchase is required to enter a sweepstakes, that they would not otherwise make if the information were presented clearly, as alleged in the FTC's settlement with Publishers Clearing House.
Where it is taught
The exact lessons this term appears in. The first 7 topics of every program are free with a free account.
- Companion apps: friendly by design, and designed to keep you · The Demystification Lab, Senior AI Scam Defense
- Getting out, and telling one person today · Relationship and Investment Scams, Senior AI Scam Defense
- Prizes, lotteries, and the inheritance from a stranger · Everyday Transaction Scams, Senior AI Scam Defense
Terms it appears with
Not an alphabetical neighbourhood: these are the terms taught in the same lessons, ranked by how often they appear together.