Know how consumers are tricked online

Consumer experience is not simply designed, it’s engineered. According to recent reports, even online giants like Amazon have used manipulative, coercive, or deceptive user-interface designs known as “dark patterns” to trick consumers into automatically renewing Prime subscriptions.

Behind the slick design and seamless user experience, there’s a darker side to online shopping experience. 

Research determines the ads you see, It’s not all high-tech brain science, but here are some of the tricks companies use to entice you to spend more.

These are some of the most common dark patterns employed by online companies:

Online companies often employ various nudges to influence user behavior. Some common nudges include:

1. Limited:

Time Offers: Displaying promotions or discounts for a limited time creates a sense of urgency, encouraging users to take immediate action.

2. Social Proof: 

Showing the popularity or positive reviews of a product/service can influence users by leveraging social validation.

3. Personalized Recommendations:

Tailoring product recommendations based on users’ preferences and browsing history can entice them to make a purchase.

4. Progress Bars: 

Using progress indicators or completion bars can motivate users to finish a process, like filling out a profile or making a purchase.

5. Scarcity:

Indicating that a product is in limited supply or high demand can drive users to make quicker decisions.

6. Free Trials or Samples:

Offering free trials or samples encourages users to try a product or service with minimal commitment, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

7. Gamification:

Incorporating game-like elements, such as rewards, badges, or competitions, can make interactions more engaging and encourage user participation.

8. Social Media Sharing Prompts: 

Encouraging users to share their activities or purchases on social media can amplify the visibility of a product or service.

9. Notification Alerts:

Sending push notifications or email alerts can remind users of incomplete actions or highlight new offerings.

10. Opt-Out Defaults:

Setting certain options as default (e.g., subscribing to newsletters) nudges users toward the desired action unless they actively opt out.

It’s important for users to be aware of these nudges and make informed decisions online.