Bad UX That Tricks People: Exposing Dark Patterns in Web Design

Not all user experiences are created with good intentions. Some websites use manipulative design patterns—called dark patterns—to trick, confuse, or coerce users into doing things they might not otherwise choose. In this article, we expose the most unethical UX traps, how they work, and how to avoid using them in your own designs.

1. Hidden Costs

Everything seems great until the last step—when unexpected charges appear at checkout.

  • Example: A low-cost subscription suddenly includes taxes, shipping, or hidden fees only visible on the final confirmation page.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It manipulates decision-making by hiding the real price until the user is mentally committed.

2. Roach Motel

It’s easy to sign up, but cancelling? That’s a digital maze.

  • Example: Users can subscribe with one click, but must call customer service or go through several steps to cancel.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It traps users into unwanted commitments.

3. Confirmshaming

This is the guilt trip you didn’t ask for.

  • Example: A popup asks “Want 15% off?” with buttons saying “Yes, please!” or “No, I hate discounts”.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It manipulates emotions to push users toward a decision.

4. Sneak into Basket

Adding products or services to your cart without clear consent.

  • Example: A travel site adds travel insurance or extra donations by default during checkout.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It violates trust by assuming consent.

5. Bait and Switch

Offering one thing, delivering another.

  • Example: Clicking on “Download Free” leads to a paid subscription page.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It misleads users into engaging with content under false pretenses.

6. Forced Continuity

Free trials that quietly turn into paid plans without clear notice or consent.

  • Example: A user signs up for a 7-day trial and is billed without a reminder or cancellation option.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It preys on forgetfulness and hides billing intent.

7. Misdirection

Designing buttons and layouts to lead users toward actions that benefit the company, not the user.

  • Example: The "Accept All Cookies" button is bold and bright, while “Manage Settings” is tiny and faded.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It subtly manipulates choices via visual hierarchy.

8. Privacy Zuckering

A term coined by Tim Jones, referring to tricking users into sharing more data than they intended.

  • Example: Default opt-ins for email lists, data sharing, or contact permissions during registration.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It undermines informed consent and data privacy.

9. Disguised Ads

Ads that look like navigation elements or genuine content.

  • Example: Download buttons that are actually third-party ads placed to confuse users.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It takes advantage of user trust and interface expectations.

10. Tricky Opt-Outs

Making it deliberately hard to decline an offer or unsubscribe.

  • Example: Pre-checked boxes for newsletters or hidden unsubscribe links in emails.
  • Why It’s Unethical: It prioritizes company retention metrics over user autonomy.

Why These Patterns Matter

Dark patterns may deliver short-term results—like more subscriptions or fewer cancellations—but they destroy long-term trust and brand reputation. Regulators worldwide are also cracking down on these tactics (such as the EU's GDPR and California's CCPA).

Designing with Ethics in Mind

  • Use clear language in CTAs and buttons.
  • Give users easy opt-out or cancellation options.
  • Always provide honest information about pricing, data usage, and features.
  • Test your UX flows to ensure they respect user intention, not trick them.

Conclusion

Good design should empower users—not exploit them. As designers, developers, and businesses, it's our responsibility to put user trust before conversion hacks.

Want help building ethical, user-first experiences?
Get in touch with TaskBucket to audit your UX and build better journeys for your users.