Abstract
Dark patterns, deceptive design practices used to manipulate user behaviour, have become a significant focus in global policy and design literature, particularly in relation to ethics and user engagement. This study aims to investigate the ability of girls and non-binary teenagers to recognise dark patterns in digital environments and to examine the emotional responses elicited by these manipulative design elements. Using a survey method with a questionnaire (n=196), the study found that participants had a low recognition rate of dark patterns in real-world digital artefacts and exhibited mostly passive emotional responses. The study is grounded in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) theory and socio-technical perspectives, and highlights the limited ability of teenagers to detect these deceptive practices and their perceptions of such design elements. This research shows the need for further transdisciplinary dialogue on the impact of dark patterns, especially within digital environments affecting vulnerable communities. The findings address the ethical implications of dark patterns and call for a more in-depth exploration of their consequences on young users in technology-driven contexts.
Recommended Citation
Visescu, Ioana; Johannsdottir, Lilja; and Islind, Anna Sigridur, "Whistling in the Dark: Inability to Recognise Dark Patterns and Lack of Concern Amongst Teenagers" (2024). ITAIS 2024 Proceedings. 33.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/itais2024/33