The “dark patterns” in your favorite apps that keep you hooked
The ‘blues algorithm,’ banned Lesbian books, and what your favorite Easter candy says about you (Issue #316)
To be a smartphone gamer is to be constantly on the watch for scam apps (or “scapps,” a term I just made up). My step-daughter and I have an ongoing conversation about Our Regrettable App Store Downloads, like “free” games are quickly unusable without in-app purchases, or ones that feature leaderboards that say you’re #5 in the world, only to find out they’re filled with fake player profiles.
These are examples of “dark patterns” in UX design, a theme we highlighted back in issue #106, which are “deceptive techniques designed to manipulate user behavior.” Recently, Sam Liberty wrote a detailed articulation of these predatory features in his story, Why Your Child Can’t Stop Using That App (A Game Designer’s Warning). Seeing them broken down into specific concepts and strategies is super useful to identify them before they become obsessions, especially these common “compulsion loops”:
- Rewards. “It’s like a tiny slot machine disguised as a cute character giving out prizes.”
- Scarcity. “Games like Fortnite use countdown timers and limited-time offers to create a sense of urgency.”
- Sycophantic compliments. “They’ve accomplished nothing of real value, but their brain thinks they’ve done something amazing.”
- Social pressure. “No child wants to feel left out when their friends are having fun without them.”
Although Liberty’s story is centered on video games, these tactics are everywhere. From more literal forms like online gambling, to the brands of food and clothing we purchase in our daily lives, many companies employ similar strategies. Even apps that encourage “healthy” activities like learning a language or meditating can use these dark patterns.
Although “too much screentime” or “binge watching” are often touted as morally negative personal failures, they are often scapegoats to real exploitations done with intention and by design. Learning the language of digital manipulations can help you identify compulsions in your daily life and make mindful choices to take back control of your behavior.
Think about it: Is your favorite app doing any of those things? Share your experiences in the responses!
🗣️ Unmissable quotes
- On the algorithmic nature of the blues: “The polyrhythmic, call-and-response and generative aspects of this hidden code led to the development of musical genres such as the blues and jazz that have repetitive elements that can be improvised upon based on shared instructions, steps, and rules.” (Nettrice Gaskins)
- On banned Lesbian books: “Stripping these stories from libraries and classrooms in public schools defeats the idea of ‘public’ education that is supposed to reflect the lives of all people. The damaging consequences to young people are real.” (Emily Chudy)
- From a story by a lawyer who took on Enron in the ’90s (which needs to become a Netflix series immediately): “Large gatherings of disgruntled businessmen attract lawyers like chum and I wasn’t above joining a fun feeding frenzy or two.” (Rachel A Fefer)
🐰 Your daily dose of practical wisdom
Beware: Your favorite Easter candy may reveal concerning truths about your personality, according to Aarushi Ahuja. Jellybeans? “You live in a state of emotional roulette.” Prefer to eat chocolate bunnies feet first? “You belong on a government watchlist.”
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Edited and produced by Scott Lamb
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