Media Ethics

Think about it, how do websites make their money? Do you really think we are getting all this knowledge for free? We all know that websites have the usual advertising and subscriptions but that’s not going to bring in the big bucks and that is where Dark Patterns come into play. From Tv and internet ads, to radio commercials, to signposts, we have all generally come to accept that advertisements are a common backdrop to our lives. Companies are constantly developing new ad strategies to attempt to attract new customers and sell more product. They know what works; they’ve invested millions in market research and testing. And just like brick-and-mortar companies, online companies are developing their own tricks of the trade. While the logistics of the two are vastly different, the goal remains the same: Attract new customers, increase the customer cart size, and retain the user base. But, sometimes in their efforts, companies can stretch ethicality thin in exchange for higher profit margins. (Ethics in design, dark patterns) Most websites aim to take as much money, data, and personal information from the customer as possible. While the creator and owner of the website might be aware of this information you as the customer, will usually not know what you are getting into. Dark patterns have become very common over the internet, but most people are not even aware that they exist. Dark patterns are embedded everywhere. Not only on the dodgy websites in the dark corners of the internet, but also on websites of the most famous brands in the world(Amazon, Netflix etc). For example: if you  try to close your account on Amazon it is not an easy process, the Amazon website design is so well laid out and easy to use except when you want to delete your account, then you have to go on a “treasure hunt” to find out how you delete your account, they don’t want you to leave or delete your account so they make it very hard to do so! (Nerdwriter1) Web and UX designers specifically create websites that aim to get you to hand over your money or data. They will use every “trick in the book”, including unethical ones. Businesses will do everything they possibly can to take as much money from customers as they possibly can. There are only two limitations: 1. The law 2. They must protect their brand’s reputation. (Dark patterns how you are manipulated into giving more) If they stay on the right side of the law, and the techniques they use are unnoticed by the most of their customers - they can do anything they like and unfortunately, they usually do!

Bibliography

Dark patterns how you are manipulated into giving more. (n.d.). Retrieved from Media versus reality: https://www.mediavsreality.com/mediavsreality2/2020/7/11/dark-patterns-how-youre-manipulated-into-giving-more

Ethics in design, dark patterns. (n.d.). Retrieved from Write here, Write now: https://wowfall2020.londietmartin.com/?p=722

Nerdwriter1. (n.d.). How Dark patterns trick you online. Retrieved from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxkrdLI6e6M&t=9s