Indian apps show high exposure to dark patterns: Survey

Bengaluru: Platforms across several sectors are using dark patterns as tactics to change consumer behaviour, found a survey by social media platform LocalCircles out on Wednesday.

Edtech, travel, airlines, e-commerce, quick commerce, online banking and payments, taxi apps and OTT platforms have amongst the highest number of dark patterns reported, according to the survey.

Dark patterns involve deceptive practices that manipulate users into making decisions they might not otherwise make. These patterns can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps and a generally frustrating experience.

Amongst most used dark patterns, forced action tops the list with 123 or 54% of platforms using it. This involves forcing the user to take an action such as downloading an app or disclosing personal data in order to move to the next transaction step.

Another 109 platforms or 48% have been found to use drip pricing, also referred to as hidden charges wherein additional charges are introduced at the final step.

About 76 (33%) use bait-and-switch; 74 (34%) use a subscription trap; 58 (25%) use interface interference; and 51 (22%) use ‘confirm shaming’.

Platforms also use nagging tactics, basket sneaking, false urgency methods, disguised ads, and other schemes.

Despite guidelines and efforts by regulators, there seems to be no let up in the use of dark patterns, the report pointed out.

As for sector-wise exposure, seven or more dark patterns were found in edtech, online banking and payments, e-commerce, OTT, app taxis, food delivery, quick commerce, medicine and health services, airlines, movies/event ticketing. Four to six dark patterns were reported in telecom, online gaming, digital lending, voice assistants, online insurance and recruitment/professional networking. One to three dark patterns were pointed out in train ticketing, car rental, music streaming, mobile devices, online financial trading and electric scooters.

Over 2.3 lakh consumers across 392 districts gave inputs on 228 Indian platforms.