What is Dark Patterns?
Definition
Deceptive user interface designs that trick subscribers into actions they did not intend, such as making cancellation unnecessarily difficult.
Understanding Dark Patterns
Dark patterns are increasingly scrutinized by regulators. Common subscription dark patterns include: making cancellation require a phone call while sign-up is online, hiding the cancel button behind multiple screens, using confusing language like 'Keep my benefits' for the cancel option, showing guilt-trip messages, and automatically opting users into higher plans. The FTC's 'click to cancel' rule aims to make cancellation as easy as sign-up.
When encountering dark patterns, document the process and report to consumer protection agencies. Subscription trackers help by reminding you to cancel before auto-renewal.
Related Terms
Cancellation
The act of ending a subscription, which stops future billing and eventually terminates access to the service.
Auto-Renewal
A feature that automatically renews a subscription at the end of each billing cycle without requiring manual action from the user.
Subscription Fatigue
The feeling of being overwhelmed by the number of active subscriptions and the cumulative cost of maintaining them.
Consumer Rights
Legal protections for subscription consumers, including rights to cancel, obtain refunds, and receive transparent billing information.