The 10 Dark Patterns
Your Phone Isn't Broken. It's Working Exactly As Designed
That anxiety you feel when you haven't checked your phone in 20 minutes? That's not a bug. That's the product. Let's name the design choices that are stealing our sleep, fracturing our attention, and rewiring our brains.
The Infinite Scroll of Doom
You meant to check one thing. Three hours later, you're watching a stranger's cat in Nebraska. The scroll never ends because ending would mean you might put your phone down. Can't have that.
Autoplay, The Attention Hijacker
You finished the video you chose to watch. Now you're watching something you didn't choose. And another. And another. Your agency disappeared three videos ago.
Notification Russian Roulette
Ding! Is it important? An emergency? Your mom? Nope, it's an app you forgot you had telling you about a sale on virtual coins. But your cortisol spiked anyway.
The Echo Chamber Trap
The algorithm knows what you like. It feeds you more of it. Only it. Forever. Your world shrinks to the size of your last click.
The Recommendation Rabbit Hole
You watched one video about cooking. Now the entire internet thinks you want to be a chef. Here's 847 more cooking videos. Resistance is futile.
The Validation Slot Machine
How many likes? How many hearts? Pull the lever (refresh the feed) and find out! Maybe this time you'll hit the jackpot and feel worthy!
Streak Slavery
Miss one day and lose your 47-day streak! Never mind that you're sick, grieving, or just need a break. The streak must continue. The streak owns you now.
Fake Points for Real Addiction
Congratulations! You've earned 50 ZapPoints! They're worthless, but your brain doesn't know that. Chase more points. Always more points.
Countdown to Bad Decisions
"Only 3 left in stock!" "Sale ends in 10 minutes!" "Last chance!" Your rational brain shuts down. Your credit card comes out.
The Roach Motel Pattern
Easy to enter, impossible to leave. Try canceling that subscription. We dare you. First, navigate our labyrinth of menus, confirm 17 times, and write an essay about why you're leaving.
