Articles

This mixed methods study examines dark patterns used by social networking sites to prevent users from disabling accounts. It identifies and categorizes major types of dark patterns (Complete Obstruction, Temporary Obstruction, Obfuscation, Inducements to Reconsider, and Consequences) based on a systematic analysis of account disabling attempts on 25 SNSs. The research provides empirical evidence of these pervasive strategies and calls for further investigation into manipulative designs that may warrant stricter regulation in the social media industry.