Articles

End User Accounts of Dark Patterns as Felt Manipulation

September 11, 2025
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Colin M. Gray, Jingle Chen, S. Chivukula, Liyang Qu
This research explores user perceptions of manipulation in digital services, expanding on the concept of "dark patterns." Through a survey (n=169) and interviews, the study used a card sorting method to analyze responses from English and Mandarin Chinese speakers, identifying felt experiences of manipulative products and a continuum of manipulation. The findings offer insights for future research, public policy, and empowering user autonomy in digital interactions.
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