Articles

Investigating Dark Patterns on Social Media: Implications for User Engagement and Impulse Buying Behavior

September 11, 2025
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Reem Rafiq Al-Tabakhi, Mohammad Hamdi Al Khasawneh, A. O. Dandis
This research investigates how dark patterns on social media influence user engagement and impulse buying, especially in the Middle East. It found that factors like time, effort, pleasure, and social acceptance positively impact engagement, while non-routine behavior has a negative effect. Increased engagement, in turn, leads to more impulse buying. The study emphasizes that marketers should prioritize ethical practices and transparency to maintain trust and respect user autonomy.
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