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Persuasive design and dark motifs
Flashmag! Issue 159 April 2025
Technology companies also employ“ persuasive design” techniques to keep users hooked on their platforms. These techniques rely on psychological principles to create addictive experiences, encouraging users to spend more time and effort on the platform. Dark patterns” are deceptive design elements that manipulate users into making decisions they wouldn’ t otherwise make. These can include making it difficult to cancel a subscription, using confusing language to encourage users to share more data than they intended, or employing visual cues to prompt users to make certain choices. For example, one study revealed that a significant percentage of SaaS companies use dark patterns in their digital interfaces to manipulate users. These tactics exploit users’ cognitive biases and vulnerabilities, often resulting in frustration, regret and loss of control..
Algorithmic manipulation and content curation
Algorithms play a crucial role in shaping user experiences on technology platforms. These algorithms curate content, prioritize information and recommend products, influencing what users see and how they perceive the world. This power can be used to amplify certain voices and suppress others, distorting public discourse and reinforcing echo chambers.
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