Not all design is created to help users — some of it is crafted to exploit them. These deceptive UX tactics are called dark patterns: intentional interface tricks that push users into doing things they didn’t mean to do — like buying unwanted extras, handing over personal data, or subscribing to services they never wanted.

These aren’t design mistakes. They’re deliberate, manipulative choices — often made to hit short-term metrics at the expense of long-term trust.

Here are 10 of the worst offenders you should recognize (and avoid — whether you’re a user or a designer):

1. Pre-Checked Boxes

Automatically ticking boxes during sign-up or checkout — for newsletters, upgrades, or “special offers.”

Why it’s dark: It assumes consent without a user actually giving it.

2. The “Roach Motel”

Easy to get in, almost impossible to get out. Sign-up is one click; cancellation takes emails, calls, or locating a buried settings page.

Why it’s dark: It traps users by making exit paths intentionally painful.

3. Confirmshaming

Using guilt to push users into agreeing:

“No thanks, I hate saving money.”

Why it’s dark: It emotionally pressures users instead of respecting their choices.

4. Trick Questions

Confusing copy like:

“Uncheck this box if you don’t want to receive non-promotional alerts.”

Why it’s dark: It creates confusion on purpose to increase opt-ins.

5. Misdirection

Placing visual focus on the option that benefits the business — not the user. Think big “Continue” buttons that add products, and small gray “No thanks” text links.

Why it’s dark: It uses visual design to manipulate choices.

6. Disguised Ads

Ads styled to look like content, navigation buttons, or even download links.

Why it’s dark: It tricks users into clicking things they didn’t intend to.

7. Forced Continuity

Free trials that silently roll into paid plans — often without proper reminders or easy cancellation.

Why it’s dark: It bets on forgetfulness to make money.

8. Bait and Switch

A button or action appears to do one thing but ends up doing something else — like clicking “X” on a pop-up that opens a new ad window.

Why it’s dark: It breaks user expectations to generate engagement.

9. Hidden Costs

Sneaky fees that appear only at the last step of checkout — shipping, handling, service charges, etc.

Why it’s dark: It misrepresents cost and wastes user time.

10. Friend Spam

Apps that access your contacts and send messages “from you” — often without fully explaining what they’ll do.

Why it’s dark: It hijacks trust in your relationships to promote itself.

So… What Can You Do About It?

If you're a user:

• Slow down when clicking — especially on forms and pop-ups.
• Be wary of anything that feels too easy or too vague.
• Use tools that block trackers, overlays, or scripts.

If you're a designer, developer, or product owner:

• Opt-in > opt-out.
• Friction should serve clarity, not create confusion.
• Ask yourself: Would I be okay if this was done to me?

Final Thought

Dark patterns might help you hit your numbers today, but they burn trust — and trust is hard to rebuild. If your product needs tricks to succeed, it’s time to rethink the product.

✨ Design for people. Not against them.