November 21st 2024.
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are gearing up for one of the biggest shopping events of the year: Black Friday. With retailers rolling out their sales and deals, it can be tempting to splurge on all the bargains. However, it's important to make informed decisions before making any purchases.
While some people may have a specific item in mind, others may find themselves spending money on things they don't really need. This can be attributed to what experts call 'dark patterns' in the online shopping industry. These are sneaky tactics that companies use to manipulate customers into making purchases or giving away personal information.
Chances are, you've fallen for one of these tricks at some point. But don't worry, experts have shed light on some of the most common dark patterns so you can be more aware when browsing online. According to The DPO Centre, dark patterns are clever design tricks used to subtly influence your choices. This could include creating a false sense of urgency with a countdown timer or making you believe a product is about to sell out.
One common example of a dark pattern is when a website displays a message like 'only two left in stock' or 'hurry, offer ends in two minutes' near an item's price. This can make shoppers feel like they need to act fast to avoid missing out, even if there's no actual rush.
But it's not just these obvious signs that you need to watch out for. Some websites may hide additional charges in lengthy terms and conditions, or make it difficult to cancel a subscription. Thankfully, there are laws in place in the UK to protect consumers from these deceptive tactics.
If you want to avoid falling for dark patterns and make informed decisions when shopping online, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to carefully read everything before clicking on anything. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, pay attention to the instructions and options before making a decision. Don't let yourself be rushed into a purchase.
It's also important to review your privacy settings and opt out of data sharing when possible. And always look for clear and transparent information about purchases and data usage on a website. By staying informed and vigilant, you can shop online with confidence.
Do you have a personal experience with dark patterns? We'd love to hear your story. Get in touch by emailing us at [email address]. Let's spread awareness and help others make smarter, more informed choices when shopping online.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
