Dark Patterns Research Articles

Neither Rules nor Standards: How to Regulate Dark Patterns

Neither Rules nor Standards: How to Regulate Dark Patterns

온라인상의 다크패턴과 소비자보호

Recently, ‘dark patterns’ of business operators that hinder consumers’ free and autonomous decision-making or decision-making and selection in a state where sufficient information is provided online are attracting attention. And as a basic rule to regulate it, Article 21, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the E- Commerce Act are receiving considerable attention. As already evident from its wording, this provision is to be understood as a provision with a fairly wide scope of application. Therefore, it regulates a large part of online dark patterns. For example, Disguised ads type, Price comparison prevention type, Testimonials type, Activity messages type, Low stock type, High demand message type, etc. can be sufficiently regulated. However, there are many types of dark patterns to which Article 21, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the E-Commerce Act does not apply. For example, e-commerce laws do not apply despite the need for regulation to roach motel type and Sneak into basket type. Therefore, it is necessary to amend the E-Commerce Act so that it can be applied to all types that may interfere with consumers' reasonable deliberation. In conclusion, the korean e-commerce act has a legislative flaws in adequately and sufficiently regulating online dark patterns.

Social pathologies of informational privacy

Social pathologies of informational privacy

Dynamics and spectral analysis of optical rogue waves for a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation applicable to pulse propagation in isotropic media

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation is the standard model in nonlinear optics. The pulse propagation in an isotropic medium can be described by this equation. This paper reports the dynamics of optical rogue waves that appear in the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation via several effective calculation methods. The approach is based on its Lax integrable nature, and subsequently, exact rogue wave solutions are obtained by a new matrix form Darboux transformation with computer software. These rogue waves show dark or ultrahigh peak rogue wave patterns, as well as many observable peaks and depressions in their structures. Numerical simulations show that such rogue waves have more stability than the standard eye-shaped ones. In addition, with modulation instability, a large number of rogue wave structures can be produced from perturbed continuous waves. Finally, the spectral analysis method can be used to obtain the mathematical properties of the observed rogue waves in a mode-locked fiber laser, allowing us to predict, regulate and control the rogue wave appearing in the field. These results in this paper can help understand ultrashort wave phenomena found in physics and engineering domains such as optics, plasma, alkali-atom Bose–Einstein condensates, etc.

Conceptualizations of user autonomy within the normative evaluation of dark patterns

Conceptualizations of user autonomy within the normative evaluation of dark patterns

Finding Dark Patterns in Casual Mobile Games Using Heuristic Evaluation

The popularity and monetary success of casual games are owed to many factors, but some of them that are not entirely honest and ethical. One of them comes in the form of the implementation of a dark pattern, a design pattern that negatively affects the experience of playing the game they are implemented. This research unveils the dark patterns most commonly used in popular and profitable casual mobile games, using heuristic evaluation conducted by five undergraduate student evaluators that have sufficient domain knowledge and experience of the topic at hand. Three of those dark patterns are (1) Pay to Skip:When the game sells various game elements that allow the players to skip some of its core challenges, (2) Grinding: When the game forces the players to sit through repetitive mechanics to make progress in the game, and (3) Playing by Appointment; When the game forces the player to play it during a specific time,through the use of rewards or punishments. The findings of this research should act as a counter-guideline on developing a casual game, as well as and provide the basis on future discussions on ethical game design.

Dark Patterns and Epistemic Ignorance: an Educational Crisis

In this paper, we discuss how online AI stimulates epistemic ignorance. Early visions of online information search and retrieval processes proposed a utopian and empowering space for individuals. Today’s crisis paradoxically presents us with an unprecedented accumulation of new information and access to it, yet also the colonisation of this knowledge by those who seek to erode critical thought. By ‘epistemic ignorance’, we mean the condition which is systematically created by the patterns of mis- and disinformation that prevent knowledge seekers from gaining verified knowledge. We argue not only has the ‘knower’ or knowledge seeker become the ‘known’ (sometimes without knowing it), their ability ‘to know’ is also intentionally manipulated by dark patterns. Moreover, their ‘known’ status allows for their subtle indoctrination, and erosion of criticality. This makes the crisis an educational one. To illustrate, we consider epistemic mechanisms on Facebook pertaining to the early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. We contend these ‘dark AI patterns’ intentionally aim for systemic indoctrination, and affective indoctrination, by engaging in the construction of epistemic ignorance. Our focus is on the political agenda; which is common in the wider discussion of indoctrination in education. Many educational philosophers have taken a critical interest in the power of education to indoctrinate. The formal educational space is an effective vehicle to do so – and now the informal education we receive through social media is as well. Through algorithms, we are taught to think a certain way. This new crisis has not yet been considered an educational one, while in every moment, the coercive powers of online AI drive audiences towards greater uncritical acceptance of knowledge and information. Perhaps we can reverse the educational oppression with the introduction of ‘light patterns’.

Dark Patterns and Epistemic Ignorance: an Educational Crisis

In this paper, we discuss how online AI stimulates epistemic ignorance. Early visions of online information search and retrieval processes proposed a utopian and empowering space for individuals. Today’s crisis paradoxically presents us with an unprecedented accumulation of new information and access to it, yet also the colonisation of this knowledge by those who seek to erode critical thought. By ‘epistemic ignorance’, we mean the condition which is systematically created by the patterns of mis- and disinformation that prevent knowledge seekers from gaining verified knowledge. We argue not only has the ‘knower’ or knowledge seeker become the ‘known’ (sometimes without knowing it), their ability ‘to know’ is also intentionally manipulated by dark patterns. Moreover, their ‘known’ status allows for their subtle indoctrination, and erosion of criticality. This makes the crisis an educational one. To illustrate, we consider epistemic mechanisms on Facebook pertaining to the early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. We contend these ‘dark AI patterns’ intentionally aim for systemic indoctrination, and affective indoctrination, by engaging in the construction of epistemic ignorance. Our focus is on the political agenda; which is common in the wider discussion of indoctrination in education. Many educational philosophers have taken a critical interest in the power of education to indoctrinate. The formal educational space is an effective vehicle to do so – and now the informal education we receive through social media is as well. Through algorithms, we are taught to think a certain way. This new crisis has not yet been considered an educational one, while in every moment, the coercive powers of online AI drive audiences towards greater uncritical acceptance of knowledge and information. Perhaps we can reverse the educational oppression with the introduction of ‘light patterns’.

Dissecting Optional Micro-Decisions in Online Transactions: Perceptions, Deceptions, and Errors

Online firms frequently increase profit by selling optional extras. However, opt-in rates tend to be low. In response, questionable design practices have emerged to nudge consumers into inadvertent choices. Many of these design constructs are presented using an opt-out design. Using eye tracking and think-aloud data techniques, this research investigates the impact of the framing and optionality of micro-decisions on user perceptions and error rates. Focusing on opt-out decisions, the study found: up to one in three users make errors in decision-making; there is a higher error rate for rejection-framed opt-out decisions; users widely misinterpret decision framing; and failure to read decision text results in rushed and unsighted decisions, even leading users to automatically construe un-ticked checkboxes as opt-in decisions. In talking afterwards about their experiences, users expressed strong negative emotions, feeling confused, manipulated and resentful. Many suggested they would, in practice, steer away from similar encounters toward more unambiguous and honest sites. These findings might alert managers and developers, tempted to use dark patterns, that such a strategy might backfire over time.

In the line of fire: Debris throwing by wild octopuses.

Wild Octopus tetricus frequently propel shells, silt, and algae through the water by releasing these materials from their arms while creating a forceful jet from the siphon held under the arm web. These "throws" occur in several contexts at a site in Jervis Bay, Australia, including in interactions with other octopuses. Material thrown in interactive contexts frequently hits other octopuses. Some throws appear to be targeted on other individuals, as suggested by several kinds of evidence: Throws in interactive contexts were more vigorous than others, and more often used silt, rather than shells or algae. High vigor throws were more often accompanied by uniform or dark body patterns than other throws. Some throws were directed differently from beneath the arms and such throws were more likely to hit other octopuses. Throwing at other individuals in the same population, as apparently seen in these octopuses, is a rare form of nonhuman projectile use, previously seen only in some social mammals.

Understanding Account Deletion and Relevant Dark Patterns on Social Media

Social media users may wish to delete their accounts, but it is unclear if this process is easy to complete or if users understand what happens to their account data after deletion. Furthermore, since platforms profit from users' data and activity, they have incentives to maintain active users, possibly affecting what account deletion options are offered. To investigate these issues, we conducted a two-part study. In Study Part 1, we created and deleted accounts on the top 20 social media platforms in the United States and performed an analysis of 490 deletion-related screens across these platforms. In Study Part 2, informed by our interface analysis, we surveyed 200 social media users to understand how users perceive and experience social media account deletion. From these studies, we have four main findings. First, account deletion options vary considerably across platforms and the language used to describe these options is not always clear. Most platforms offer account deletion on desktop browsers but not all allow account deletion from mobile apps or browsers. Second, we found evidence of several dark patterns present in the account deletion interfaces and platform policies. Third, most participants had tried to delete at least one social media account, yet over one-third of deletion attempts were never completed. Fourth, users mostly agreed that they did not want platforms to have access to deleted account data. Based on these results, we recommend that platforms improve the terminology used in account deletion interfaces so the outcomes of account deletion are more clear to users. Additionally, we recommend that platforms allow users to delete their social media accounts from any device they use to access the platform. Finally, future work is needed to assess how users are affected by account deletion related dark patterns.

Alcohol corporations and the metaverse: Threats to public health?

Alcohol corporations and the metaverse: Threats to public health?

Daily Quests or Daily Pests? The Benefits and Pitfalls of Engagement Rewards in Games

Many games use engagement rewards as incentives for players to engage, e.g., daily login rewards, repeatable challenges, or seasonal rewards like holiday skins. These rewards may serve players by facilitating enjoyment or motivation; however, they may also be considered differently by skeptical players, e.g., as dark patterns that do not benefit players, and may detract from-or even harm-player experiences. As they are widely prevalent in a variety of games, it is important to understand how such rewards are experienced by players to inform potential pitfalls, such as when they are negative for gaming experience or lead to unhealthy gaming behaviours. 178 participants completed a mixed-methods survey and described such rewards in games they play, the tasks required to acquire them, and their experience qualitatively and with validated scales of motivation regulation and passion orientation. We found that players perceived these rewards as beneficial (e.g., as motivation), as negative (e.g., by promoting fear of missing out), or even as an obligation or chore. Quantitative results further support the dualistic experience of such rewards. We contribute findings and design recommendations that are useful for understanding and designing widely used but potentially detrimental reward mechanics.

Pay to Win or Pay to Cheat: How Players of Competitive Online Games Perceive Fairness of In-Game Purchases

The advent of various in-game purchasing systems has led to several ethical concerns in contemporary gaming ecosystems, including the monetary dark patterns in game design and the potential harms on gamer welling by introducing cheating, gambling, and addictive mechanisms. These concerns have resulted in the rise of tensions regarding the impacts of in-game purchases on players who pay versus those who do not pay, such as their perceptions of "fairness" in highly competitive gaming contexts when spending is involved. Using 2,685 Reddit posts from five subreddits of popular online sports and card games that focus on player-to-player competition, we investigate how players of these games perceive fairness of their in-game purchases. This research expands our existing knowledge on ethical concerns and fairness in gaming by highlighting consumers' (players') diverse ethical judgments regarding the increasingly popular monetization mechanisms in modern gaming. It also highlights ethical dilemmas surrounding competition, spending, and enjoyment in online gaming and informs the design of future digital consumption systems for fairer, healthier, and more ethical gaming dynamics.

Dark Pattern: A Serious Game for Learning About the Dangers of Sharing Data

Dark patterns refer to tricks built into websites and apps to manipulate users into acting unintentionally and detrimentally. An important issue is how such patterns might affect behaviour when actors are manoeuvred towards the sharing of their personal data, as exemplified in choices we face when downloading Apps or signing up for services provided on the internet. This paper presents our exploratory research into understanding the intention and subsequent actions of older teenagers responding to issues of personal data collection and (mis)use. The research is based on the competitive board-game Dark Pattern, in which players install apps, draw dark pattern cards, and make choices about the sharing of personal data. To win the game, a player must share as little data as possible and play cards that punish other players. We were interested to find out the extent to which the game was able to convey types of dark patterns to the players. Additionally, we wanted to explore how players’ perceptions of risks in data-sharing associated with their intention to protect their personal data. Finally, we were interested to explore potential gender difference, and whether this might be associated with intention to protect personal data. 56 of the students who played the game answered a subsequent survey with questions about their experiences and the data was analysed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Despite the findings showing that playing the game had only limited impact on knowledge about dark patterns matters, the analysis of the relationship with the factors in our model shows that knowledge has a significant contribution on behavioural intention, demonstrating that students with high dark pattern knowledge also report higher intention to take steps to protect their data.

First report of abnormal body coloration in Sebastes koreanus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sebastinae)

This study reports the first record of abnormal coloration in Sebastes koreanus Kim et Lee, 1994. The specimen (163.4 mm standard length and 197.3 mm total length) was collected from the Yellow Sea in South Korea in July 2021. The whole body of the specimens was red, and all fins also had red coloration while the slight dark red pattern under the eyes and dark spot on the opercula were similar to normal S. koreanus. It also showed a similar dotted pattern on the pectoral fins with a normal specimen.

Clustering of Dark Patterns in the User Interfaces of Websites and Online Trading Portals (E-Commerce)

dark patterns in the interfaces of users using sites and portals of online trading affect their behavior by companies that own digital resources. The authors propose to implement the detection of dark patterns on sites in user interfaces using cluster analysis algorithms using two methods for clustering many dark patterns in application interfaces: hierarchical and k-means. The complexity of the implementation lies in the lack of datasets that formalize dark patterns in user interfaces. The authors conducted a study and identified signs of dark patterns based on the use of Nelsen’s antisymmetric principles. The article proposes a technique for assessing dark patterns using linguistic variables and their further interval numerical assessment for implementing cluster data analysis. The last part of the article contains an analysis of two clustering algorithms and an analysis of the methods and procedures for applying them to clustering data according to previously selected features in the RStudio environment. We also gave a characteristic for each resulting cluster.

Identifying the alloy structures of germanene grown on Al(111)

While the growth of germanene has been extensively claimed on many substrates, their exact crystal structures remain controversial. Herein, we systematically explore the surface structures of Ge deposition onto the Al(111) surface by theoretical calculations combined with available scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction data. We show that the formation of germanene on Al(111) is energetically unfavorable by $ab\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}initio$ evolutionary simulations and high-level random-phase approximation calculations, and the two experimental phases are identified as honeycomb alloys ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{3}/\mathrm{Al}(\sqrt{7}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{7})$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}/\mathrm{Al}(3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3)$. It is interesting to find a vacancy at the interface of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}/\mathrm{Al}(3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3)$, which is responsible for the dark clover pattern in STM experiments. Our results clarify the structural controversy of the Ge/Al(111) system and indicate that the fabrication of germanene on Al(111) remains challenging.

On dark patterns and manipulation of website publishers by CMPs

Web technologies and services widely rely on data collection via tracking users on websites. In the EU, the collection of such data requires user consent thanks to the ePrivacy Directive (ePD), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To comply with these regulations and integrate consent collection into their websites, website publishers often rely on third-party contractors, called Consent Management Providers (CMPs), that provide consent pop-ups as a service. Since the GDPR came in force in May 2018, the presence of CMPs continuously increased. In our work, we systematically study the installation and configuration process of consent pop-ups and their potential effects on the decision making of the website publishers. We make an in-depth analysis of the configuration process from ten services provided by five popular CMP companies and identify common unethical design choices employed. By analysing CMP services on an empty experimental website, we identify manipulation of website publishers towards subscription to the CMPs paid plans and then determine that default consent pop-ups often violate the law. We also show that configuration options may lead to non-compliance, while tracking scanners offered by CMPs manipulate publishers. Our findings demonstrate the importance of CMPs and design space offered to website publishers, and we raise concerns around the privileged position of CMPs and their strategies influencing website publishers.

Sparsity-based method for ring artifact elimination in computed tomography.

Ring artifact elimination is one of the popular problems in computed tomography (CT). It appears in the reconstructed image in the form of bright or dark patterns of concentric circles. In this paper, based on the compressed sensing theory, we propose a method for eliminating the ring artifact during the image reconstruction. The proposed method is based on representing the projection data by a sum of two components. The first component contains ideal correct values, while the latter contains imperfect error values causing the ring artifact. We propose to minimize some sparsity-induced norms corresponding to the imperfect error components to effectively eliminate the ring artifact. In particular, we investigate the effect of using different sparse models, i.e. different sparsity-induced norms, on the accuracy of the ring artifact correction. The proposed cost function is optimized using an iterative algorithm derived from the alternative direction method of multipliers. Moreover, we propose improved versions of the proposed algorithms by incorporating a smoothing penalty function into the cost function. We also introduce angular constrained forms of the proposed algorithms by considering a special case as follows. The imperfect error values are constant over all the projection angles, as in the case where the source of ring artifact is the non-uniform sensitivity of the detector. Real data and simulation studies were performed to evaluate the proposed algorithms. Results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms with incorporating smoothing penalty and their angular constrained forms are effective in ring artifact elimination.